Over the last two years, each Monday, Marenda Rose has brought her trio of kids to various parks around Raleigh, allowing them opportunities for play and discovery in fresh environments.
On Saturday, as her two little boys—Samuel, who is 4 years old, and the twin brothers Austin and Asa, aged 2—explored the park by climbing up the towers, weaving through the maze, playing around the waterfall area, and digging into the sandbox at Dorothea Dix Park’s latest attraction called the Gipson Play Plaza, Rose thought about adding this experience to their must-visit places.
Rose mentioned, “We’ve visited many parks before, but this one stands out as particularly wonderful. It’s enormous… Situated centrally within the city, it offers great convenience, plus they have plenty of seating since we usually come with our own snacks.”
Rose was part of a select few guests who had an early look at the new 18.5-acre Gipson Play Plaza, scheduled to debut on June 6. The plaza is
One of the initial significant enhancements to Dorothea Dix Park
It is situated at the entry point of the 308-acre park, right next to Lake Wheeler Road.
Following almost three years of building efforts and six years after the initial idea took shape, the Gipson Play Plaza presents an array of inclusive facilities suitable for everyone. Notable elements consist of a lengthy 91-foot swing, covered resting spots, a water play area, along with entry to the recently restored historical House of Many Porches. This structure includes a quick-service store and cafe that serves coffee and wine, providing visitors with a comfortable, climate-controlled haven.
The park was conceptualized by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, with the play structures crafted by Richter Spielgeräte and imported from Germany, as stated by the municipality.
There are certainly features in this park that you can’t find elsewhere,” remarked Alexis Fox, who visited with her 3-year-old son. “The vast open spaces mean there’s no concern about crowds or similar issues. This experience increases my curiosity about what else Raleigh might provide as they develop additional areas.
‘Cornerstone of the park’
On Saturday, Tom Gipson was seated at a bench close to the Fountain Plaza, savoring a mango popsicle as kids frolicked around him. This location features theater-like seating and a dynamic water feature that mimics the cascades seen in Western North Carolina’s landscape.
Gipson and his spouse, Pat, played a crucial role in bringing the Play Plaza to fruition by contributing $10 million towards the approximately $70 million endeavor. This donation, combined with funds from a $275 million bond endorsed by Raleigh voters in 2022, was pivotal in materializing this dream. As acknowledgment for their support, the plaza—which boasts being the biggest in the Southeast—is now known as the Gipsions’ Plaza.
As he gazed at the expansive area before him, Gipson recalled his youth in a quaint village Upstate New York, where his dad had constructed a massive swing using an electrical pole for him and his brothers and sisters.
It was an amazing present for my five brothers and sisters and me, yet it was equally extraordinary for our neighborhood since everyone in town felt invited to use our swings, and many took us up on that offer,” Gipson stated. “This sense of inclusion remains alive today. We’ve created something that benefits all members of our community.
The CEO of the Dix Park Conservancy, Ruffin Hall, stated that the aim for the city is for the Play Plaza to turn into an additional attraction for both Raleigh locals and tourists.
This marks a transformative period for Dix Park,” stated Ruffin. “With this donation and support, we can enhance various aspects of Dix Park, encouraging more individuals who may have only heard about it to visit and appreciate the space.
Gipson referred to the new area as the “cornerstone of this park.”
“This voyage towards greatness that we’ve embarked upon with this gaming platform must be sustained,” he stated.
‘Not just bright-colored plastic’
Stephen Bentley, who leads Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, mentioned that the park was deliberately created considering various age groups. They made sure accessibility was a key aspect so that individuals with disabilities could easily access and appreciate all the amenities provided in the plaza.
Features such as the design of Watermill Mountain, constructed using blue stones sourced from North Carolina, along with sunscreen stations, were carefully thought out, he mentioned. Similar to the park, the plaza will remain free of charge, and Bentley envisions it becoming a popular destination for numerous school outings.
Everyone is invited to attend, regardless of whether they are coming from Raleigh, Carrboro, or Charlotte,” Bentley stated. “Regardless of your origin, you will find common ground here.
Kia Martin delved into the sensory maze featuring mirror illusions along with musical components, accompanied by her canine companion, Tyson.
“Tyson is really thriving,” Martin stated. “Fortunately, there are many places where he can visit.”
Lauren Freudenberger and her son Miles were fully engaged with the natural components of the playground, such as the flora, sunshine, and water fixtures.
“It’s not just like bright-colored plastic,” she said. “It’s very natural and tasteful.”
Jan Tran journeyed with her children, aged 16 and 13, along with her nephew Theo, who is 6 months old, from Garner.
I appreciate the openness,” Tran commented. “It not only provides a standard playground but also encourages constant movement among the children. It’s highly interactive.
The inaugural event and operating hours
The hours for the Gipson Play Plaza will be:
- From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., from May through September.
- From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., from October to April.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on June 6 at 4 p.m., followed by a grand opening event over the next two days, June 7 and 8, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The weekend celebrations will feature live performances, outdoor games, food trucks, and an evening light display.
The plaza features 10 restrooms equipped with changing areas, including one that offers a private shower. Smoking, using drugs, consuming alcohol, or vaping is not permitted within the premises of the plaza.
Pets are permitted in the plaza with the exception of the marketplace, splash pads, and play structures.
Additional information and specifics regarding the plaza can be explored at
dixpark.org.
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