Dix Park’s Gipson Plaza opens this summer. What you’ll find when you visit.
A mega swing set that stretches 91 feet long. Four multi-story climbing towers. A waterfall and splash pad.
The long-awaited Gipson Play Plaza is set to open in June after nearly three years of construction. The 18.5-acre attraction is one of the first major renovations at Dorothea Dix Park on the edge of downtown Raleigh.
“It’s another big investment in a free amenity for all citizens, all ages, that really puts us on the map,” Mayor Janet Cowell said.
“And I also think, of course, that the power of this particular property with the history that it has as a plantation, as a mental health hospital, that you take that land and make it into a space that can create such joy and connection is just powerful,” she said.
People have no idea how “amazing” the play plaza will be, Cowell said. “I don’t think people have any idea about what’s coming.”
In Slide Valley, four climbing towers are connected by swaying bridges with ladders, ramps and slides. It’s the heart of the adventure park, a type of playground meant to encourage exploration and self-directed play.
Cowell, the former director of the Dix Park Conservancy, visited the German village where the play equipment was made by Richter Spielgeräte.
“And, you would say, ‘Well, why this company? Why would you go to Germany for this stuff?’” she said. “But the whole philosophy of play [is built] around using natural materials, letting kids have a certain amount of risk to their play, but giving them lots of options.”
There’s also nearby “caretakers overlook” that provides shaded seating for parents and others to view the adventure playground.
When will Gipson Play Plaza open?
A ribbon cutting celebration is set for 4-6 p.m. June 6. A grand opening celebration will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 7 and 8. The weekend celebration will include live music, lawn games, food trucks and an “immersive light experience at night.”
What to do at Gipson Play Plaza
The Play Plaza, named after Pat and Tom Gipson who donated $10 million to the park, has several sections.
Fountain Plaza: This includes a half-acre gathering space with benches and cafe tables. The nearby “grand stair” creates amphitheater seating with views of the plaza and Raleigh skyline. A splash pad and interactive waterfall spill from 15 feet above a small fish pond are meant to remind visitors of the waterfalls of Western North Carolina.
Picnic Grove: There are 22 picnic tables and benches, along with several grills available on a first come, first served basis.
Sensory Maze: This hedge labyrinth includes interactive elements, mirror illusions, whimsical animals and musical elements meant to engage all of the senses.
Swing Terrace: This area includes the 91-foot-long swing set, and other swings made for people of all ages and abilities.
Watermill Mountain: This area includes a hand-built millhouse, modeled on the Historic Yates Mill. Nearby is a series of pulleys, pumps, dams and spouts that children can play with. Water will flow to the Sand Bowl where a collection of playhouses are located.
Woodland Garden: This garden, meant as a quieter spot, has mature oaks with views of the sunflower power poles.
House of Many Porches Market: A grab-and-go market will feature salads, baked goods, sandwiches, pastries wraps, specialty local goods and gifts, and Dix Park merchandise. Drinks will include tea, coffee, beer and wine.
Gipson Play Plaza Hours
The hours will be:
- 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. May through September
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through April
Gipson Play Plaza bathrooms, dogs and other rules
Restrooms: The plaza has 10 restroom cabanas with spaces to change clothes, with one of the cabanas having a private shower. An outdoor shower is also available. Public restrooms are also at the House of Many Porches Market.
Dogs: Leashed pets will be allowed in the plaza, but not in the market, water play areas or on the playgrounds.
Rules: No smoking, drugs, alcohol or vaping. Adult supervision is required and some playground equipment may be wet or hot. To find other rules go to dixpark.org/gipsonplayplaza.
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This story was originally published April 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
