Here’s a guide to the new Gipson Play Plaza at Raleigh’s Dix Park
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The long-awaited Gipson Play Plaza opens June 6 at Raleigh's Dorothea Dix Park.
- Parking is scattered around the park, but there are free shuttles on weekends.
- Visitors can enjoy swings, splash pads, food and drinks, and pet-friendly outdoor areas.
Dorothea Dix Park, already one of Raleigh’s most popular parks, may be even busier this summer with the opening of a long-awaited new addition.
The 18.5-acre Gipson Play Plaza, set to open Friday, June 6 after years of construction, offers inclusive features for people of a range of ages. There’s a 91-foot-long swing, shaded seating, a splash pad and access to the newly renovated historic House of Many Porches, which offers a grab-and-go market and cafe.
Gipson Play Plaza is located in the southern part of Dix Park, along Lake Wheeler Road. There are four pedestrian entrances within Dix Park that may be used to enter the play plaza.
Whether you’re a longtime Dix Park visitor or a newbie, here’s a guide to maximizing your next trip to the park south of downtown Raleigh.
Hours: When is Gipson Play Plaza open?
Dorothea Dix Park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
Here are hours for Gipson Play Plaza, which is located at 715 Biggs Drive.
- May through September: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
- October through April: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
Gipson Play Plaza’s grand opening weekend, scheduled for June 6-8, will include a variety of events such as concerts, yoga and immersive light experiences. Learn more about grand opening hours and events at dixpark.org.
Where to park for Gipson Play Plaza
More than 3,000 parking spaces are available in lots scattered throughout the 308-acre park.
During business hours on weekdays, visitors are asked to park in the public parking areas. On nights and weekends, visitors can use any parking space.
A park map, which shows the locations of parking lots and bike racks, is available at dixpark.org.
Lots G and E are closest to the Gipson Play Plaza, and the main entrance for Gipson Play Plaza parking is Goode Street off Lake Wheeler Road. Lot A is the largest parking area at Dix Park and has about 400 spaces. All of the parking is free.
On weekends, visitors can get to Gipson Play Plaza with free shuttles that travel from Lot A on Hunt Drive to the play plaza. Lot A is about a 10-15 minute walk from the play plaza. The shuttles will operate 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
ADA-accessible parking is available in lots B, D, E and G adjacent to Gipson Play Plaza.
For Gipson Play Plaza grand opening weekend:
- Park staff will direct visitors to the closest available parking.
- Free shuttles will take visitors from Lot A and and western campus to Gipson Play Plaza and from Moore Square Park to the play plaza. Shuttle hours are 4-10 p.m. June 6 and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. June 7-8. They will run approximately every five to seven minutes.
- ADA-accessible parking: Enter Dix Park at Umstead Drive via Lake Wheeler Road. Parking lots B, D, E and G near Gipson Play Plaza have ADA-accessible parking spaces, accessible curb cuts and sidewalks. An on-demand ADA shuttle will go to all shuttle stops.
There is a new Cardinal Bikeshare station at Gipson Play Plaza, and on grand opening weekend, you can use the promotional code GipsonPlayPlaza to ride for free.
There are also three e-scooter corrals and several bike rack locations around Gipson Play Plaza.
What to bring to Gipson Play Plaza
Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in Gipson Play Plaza and throughout Dix Park.
Alcohol — along with snacks, sandwiches, drinks and ice cream — may be purchased at the House of Many Porches Market (701 Palmer Drive inside Gipson Play Plaza), but beer and wine must be consumed in the designated area. Hours for the House of Many Porches Market are the same as those for Gipson Play Plaza.
Seating and grills at the Picnic Grove at Gipson Play Plaza are available first come, first served.
Gipson Play Plaza has water features, including a waterfall and splash pad, so families may want to bring swimsuits, towels and a change of clothes. There’s a restroom building at the play plaza, which includes 10 cabanas with space to change. One cabana has a private shower, and an outdoor shower is also available.
Are there restrooms at Gipson Play Plaza?
Yes, there are 10 restrooms in the restroom building at Gipson Play Plaza, and the House of Many Porches also has public restrooms.
Temporary restrooms are scattered around the park, and additional permanent restrooms are located at the Visitor Center.
Can you bring your pet to Dix Park?
Service animals are welcome throughout Dix Park, including at Gipson Play Plaza.
Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed at Gipson Play Plaza, but are not allowed inside House of Many Porches Market, in any water play areas or on the playgrounds. Dogs can play off-leash at the Dix Park Dog Park (1800 Umstead Drive).
Pet owners are asked to clean up after their pets.
Sign up for alerts on Gipson Play Plaza
To receive text alerts on the Gipson Play Plaza grand opening, including event updates, parking conditions or unforeseen cancellations, text GIPSONPLAY to 888777.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
