Some of the best parks & playgrounds are in the Triangle, USA Today says

In the mood to get out and spend some time in the sun? You may want to make a trip to two local parks in the Triangle named among the best in the U.S.

Just in time for the spring season, USA Today released a list of some of the top public spaces across the country, including Dorothea Dix Park as one of the best city parks and The Nest at Downtown Cary Park as the overall best public playground.

Best city parks: Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park, located in the heart of Raleigh, is the largest park in the city with a 2.5-acre grass dog park and 5-acre field of sunflowers — and ranked No. 10 on the list of best city parks in the U.S.

“Once the grounds of North Carolina’s first mental health facility, this 308-acre park is possibly Raleigh’s most ambitious green space project and is filled with sunflower and daffodil fields,” the report says.

“The restored Harvey Hill and healing garden pay homage to the park’s history, while new additions include a dog park and Flowers Field, which hosts events like sunrise yoga and forest bathing. With the pop-up disc golf course, grove spaces, and playgrounds, Dix Park is writing a new chapter in urban park design.”

Soon, one of the park’s first major renovations will be completed for what’s to be the largest adventure playground in the Southeast. After nearly three years of construction, the 18.5 acre Gipson Play Plaza is opening late April to early May with playgrounds, waterfall wall and a nearby food and drink market called the House of Many Porches, The News & Observer previously reported.

Best public playground: The Nest in Cary

Of all the popular public play spaces for kids across the country, the colorful cardinal play structures known as The Nest at Downtown Cary Park topped the list as the best of the best.

“The Nest’s biophilic design features nature-inspired equipment that seems to sprout organically from the earth,” the report says.

“There are two play areas to accommodate differing ages and abilities. The signature 20-foot climbing structure resembles two giant cardinals, which kids can climb in for a bird’s-eye view of the world. At ground level, there’s a splash pad, a communication board, large acorns begging to be explored, and ‘fallen’ logs for climbing and playing. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and water fountains are located throughout the park.”

The play area is one of the many amenities at the seven-acre park, which opened in 2023 — a project 20 years in the making.

“More than 750,000 people visited in the Park’s first year, and we’ve seen a direct boost to nearby businesses and events,” Joy Ennis, General Manager of Downtown Cary Park, said. “This national award highlights the Park’s growing role as a community anchor, supporting local business, drawing regional tourism, and enriching Cary’s sense of place.”

Similarly, in a statement, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said: This national recognition is something every Cary citizen can take pride in... It reflects the thoughtful, community-driven values that guide our work, and the kind of quality-of-life investment that makes Cary such a special place to call home.”

This story was originally published April 18, 2025 at 3:27 PM.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription