Park Planning

People at the third Play Plaza Public Meeting
Community Meeting

Current Projects

There are a number of development projects and ongoing studies supporting the transformation of Dix Park. The map below displays the project areas in and around the park being led by various City of Raleigh departments and our partners.  Click on the map to view a larger more detailed Current Project Map

 

Map of current projects in and around Dix Park as of January 2023

Gipson Play Plaza site plan February 2022

Gipson Play Plaza

One of the first major projects to move forward is the design of the new welcome plaza and play area along Lake Wheeler Road.  The Gipson Play Plaza will be a new, principal entrance to the park.

Construction is underway on the Gipson Play Plaza – an inviting and inspiring public space for all ages with one of a kind play spaces, works of art, a civic plaza, fountains, and gardens. 

Learn more on the Gipson Play Plaza project page.

Rocky Branch Enhancement Project Reach 1 Option A Rendering November 2023

Rocky Branch Enhancement

The City is currently studying the feasibility of restoring and enhancing the Rocky Branch along the northern edge of  Dix Park.  The primary objective of the Rocky Branch Enhancement Project is to create a nature escape for park-goers in the heart of the city, enhance aquatic habitat and ecosystem functioning, and highlight the ecology of the region. The second objective is to provide design input for the adjacent Landfill area for park programs and activities including athletic fields.

Read more about the Rocky Branch Enhancement project.

Stone Houses at Dix Park

Stone Houses & Historic Entry

The historic entrance of Dix Park that winds through the Grove includes three stone houses: Superintendent’s House, Physician’s House, and Gatekeeper’s Cottage, all built in the 1920s.

Rehabilitation of the stone houses and their grounds will restore and add amenities at a prominent gateway for Dix Park while preserving and honoring the site’s public health era.

Check out the Stone Houses & Historic Entry Restoration project page.

McBryde Building at Dix Park

Plans & Studies

In addition to large-scale projects, a set of supporting plans and studies are needed to address issues identified but not resolved in the Master Plan process and build a sustainable foundation for the future. These types of studies will not only enable future projects but also establish baseline data to measure future progress. The plans and studies currently in progress:

Cultural Interpretation Plan 

Accessibility Improvements

Buildings & Site Analysis + Partnerships & Financial Framework
 

Drone shot of Dix Park looing towards downtown Raleigh

Area Projects

While not specifically part of the Dix Park development, there are a number of projects supporting the transformation of the park. These projects are led by various City of Raleigh departments and community partners.

Dix Edge Area Study

Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project

Pullen to Bain Water Main Replacement

Western Blvd Bus Rapid Transit

Healing Transitions Expansion

Planning Meetings
The Chapel

Community Committee Meeting

The Dix Park Community Committee is a community advisory committee designed to represent the diversity of the community and bring a broad range of experiences and expertise to the Dix Park project. This committee provides guidance and…
Planning Meetings
The Chapel

Leadership Committee Meeting

The Dix Park Leadership Committee exists to provide guidance to City staff, the Conservancy, and other partners on the implementation of the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan. The Leadership Committee is supported by City staff and will…
Planning Meetings
The Chapel

Leadership Committee Meeting

The Dix Park Leadership Committee exists to provide guidance to City staff, the Conservancy, and other partners on the implementation of the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan. The Leadership Committee is supported by City staff and will…