The Master Plan
The creation of Dix Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – to build an urban park of this size in the heart of a city that is to become a transformative public space for our community.
On February 19th, 2019, the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan was adopted unanimously by Raleigh City Council. City staff were also directed to create an implementation plan for Phase 1 of the park's development. This was an important and exciting milestone. In September 2019, City Council was presented with a briefing book outlining Phase 1 projects and corresponding studies that make up the Implementation Plan. Along with the FAQ document below, this plan provides information on the next steps in the park planning and development process.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Master Planning process. We had over 65,000 residents share feedback online and in person through hundreds of engagement opportunities!
Check out our FAQs below for a breakdown of information included in the 250+ page Master Plan.
Meeting Reports + Records
See past presentations, meeting summaries, and documents from the master plan process including City Council Work Sessions, Community Meetings, Executive Committee Meetings, Advisory Committee Meetings, and Workgroup Meetings
A Community-Led Process
The City of Raleigh, in partnership with Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy, has embarked on an incredible effort to create America’s next great public park. It truly is a special place that has the potential to capture the imagination of the world with compelling, courageous and innovative ideas.
The Master Plan process was governed by a community-led, multi-tier structure. Ultimately, Raleigh City Council will make the the final decision about the Master Plan for Dorothea Dix Park. The following graphic represents the anticipated timeline with major milestones for the master plan process. Each line represents one of the six themes that are continuously explored and refined throughout the entire planning period, often called an "iterative design process."
The input of the entire community is essential to creating a park for everyone. Thank you for joining us throughout the Master Plan process by attending community meetings, events, and submitting your ideas on our community platform. The public comment period is now closed.
Master Plan Appendix
The Appendix to the draft Master Plan is a compilation of the research, studies and engagement initiatives conducted by The City of Raleigh and the Master Plan consultant team led by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates.
Landscape Architecture -MVVA
Landscape History - Suzanne Turner Associates (STA)
Transportation Engineering-VHB Engineering
Hydrology-Limnotech
Ecology-Applied Ecological Services, Inc. AES
Civil engineering- SEPI Engineering & Construction and VHB Engineering
Preservation Architecture- Joseph K. Opperman- Architect, P.A. (JKOA)
Public Engagement -City of Raleigh, Neighborland, & Perry Street Studios
The Design Team
After a six-month intensive application and interview process for a lead consultant to help guide the master plan process, a world-class team of consultants led by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) was recommended by the Master Plan Executive Committee and unanimously approved by the Raleigh City Council in early 2017.
Michael Van Valkenburgh and his team of consultants lead the development of a visionary Master Plan that will guide the creation of Dorothea Dix Park as a world-class destination that will welcome, engage, and inspire. The planning process is happening right now and will be completed in spring 2019. The Master Plan work is being paid for by private individuals and organizations, through contributions to Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy.
Michael Van Valkenburgh and MVVA are consistently recognized with the highest professional honors for design excellence and innovation; as just one example, in 2010 Brooklyn Bridge Park became the only landscape ever to win the Brenden Gill Prize, created by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to honor the artistic work that most embodies the spirit of the City of New York.
“The Master Plan Executive Committee was extremely fortunate to have four incredibly talented consultants to choose from,” Mayor McFarlane said when the announcement was made. “However, Michael Van Valkenburgh rose above the rest as the consultant best able to develop a master park plan that reflects the past, captures the present and reveals the future of Dorothea Dix Park. Raleigh is a hub of innovation and I am so excited to see what Michael is able to accomplish in partnership with our wonderful community here in Raleigh!”
Legacy Committee Report
The Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy Legacy Committee crafted a detailed report explaining the deep and complex history of the Dorothea Dix Park site.
The report is broken into four sections: 1) The recommended theme to guide the park's issues overall; 2) An outline of the legacy the committee thinks should be honored or remembered within the park; 3) Proposed tangible ways to convey the legacy and what would actually be on the ground in the park; and 4) The committee's recommendations to the Dix Park Conservancy Board, The City of Raleigh, The Dix Park Master Plan Executive Committee, and Advisory Committee, the consulting firm MVVA, and the Raleigh City Council.
Proposed Park Theme of Wellness: “A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”- The World Health Organization
Intro to Legacy Committee Report
Executive Summary to Legacy Report
Dorothea Dix Park Legacy Report
Memo on Master Plan and Legacy