Gipson Play Plaza Grand Opening: What to Know Before You Go

Raleigh is set to unveil its most ambitious public park project yet: the Gipson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park. Spanning 18.5 acres, this $73.5 million development is poised to become the largest adventure playground in the Southeast, offering a dynamic mix of play, art, nature, and community gathering spaces.(Axios, X (formerly Twitter))

🎉 Grand Opening Weekend: June 6–8

The City of Raleigh and the Dix Park Conservancy will host a three-day celebration to mark the opening:(HOME)

  • Friday, June 6: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 4:00–6:00 PM

  • Saturday & Sunday, June 7–8: Community festivities from 9:00 AM–10:00 PM, featuring live music, food trucks, roving entertainment, family activities, and an immersive nighttime light experience .(Triangle on the Cheap, RaleighNC.gov)

🏞️ What to Expect at Gipson Play Plaza

Designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the plaza blends imaginative play with natural beauty and inclusive design. Key features include:(RaleighNC.gov)

  • Slide Valley: Four multi-story climbing towers connected by bridges, ladders, and ramps for adventurous exploration.

  • Watermill Mountain: A cascading water play area inspired by Historic Yates Mill, featuring kid-powered pulleys, pumps, and dams.

  • Sand Bowl: An expansive sand play zone with wooden playhouses and a foot shower station.

  • Fountain Plaza: A central gathering space with a splash pad and amphitheater-style seating.

  • Picnic Grove: 22 picnic tables made from reclaimed wood, equipped with grills and shaded seating.

  • House of Many Porches Market: A grab-and-go market offering snacks, sandwiches, coffee, frozen desserts, and beverages, including beer and wine.

  • Sensory Maze: An ADA-accessible hedge labyrinth with interactive elements like mirror illusions and musical features.

  • Swing Terrace: A 91-foot-long wooden mega-swing accommodating visitors of all ages and abilities.

  • Woodland Garden: A serene area under mature Post Oaks with meandering paths and seating. (Triangle on the Cheap, Axios)

⏰ Hours of Operation

Gipson Play Plaza will be open seven days a week:

  • May – September: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • October – April: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (HOME)

The rest of Dorothea Dix Park remains open daily from sunrise to sunset.(HOME)

🚗 Getting There & Accessibility

The plaza is located near Palmer Drive, between Biggs Drive and Lake Wheeler Road. Visitors can use 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, NC as a destination address. Multiple parking lots are available, and on weekends, a free park-and-ride shuttle will operate from designated lots. The park is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring ADA-accessible pathways, play areas, restrooms, and seating. (Triangle on the Cheap, HOME)

🌳 A Legacy of Community Investment

The Gipson Play Plaza is a testament to Raleigh's commitment to creating inclusive and vibrant public spaces. Funded by the 2022 Parks Bond—approved by over 73% of Raleigh voters—and a generous $10 million donation from Pat and Tom Gipson, this project transforms a former hospital athletic field into a destination for play, relaxation, and community connection. (RaleighNC.gov)

For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Gipson Play Plaza page.(HOME)

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