Raleigh Unveils Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park — A Landmark in Urban Recreation Near City Hike
Newly Opened: Gipson Play Plaza in Downtown Raleigh
RALEIGH, NC — Raleigh’s parks and recreation scene has reached a new milestone with the grand opening of Gipson Play Plaza, an 18.5-acre, $69 million recreational space located at the heart of Dorothea Dix Park. Heralded as the largest and most ambitious playground project in the Southeast, the plaza offers a dynamic blend of nature, art, play, and community gathering — and it’s already shaping the future for nearby housing developments like City Hike.
A Regional Destination for Play and Connection
Signage Outside of Gipson Play Plaza Near City Hike’s Downtown Raleigh Townhomes for Sale
Officially opened in June, the Gipson Play Plaza features an impressive array of attractions designed to appeal to all ages and abilities. Among the highlights:
Slide Valley: A multi-level adventure area with four-story towers, climbing nets, and long tunnel slides.
Watermill Mountain: A kid-powered water play zone inspired by Raleigh’s historic Yates Mill.
Sensory Maze and Swing Terrace: Purpose-built for inclusive play and relaxation.
Sand Bowl and Boulder Town: A massive sand-and-water landscape with imaginative playhouses and dig zones.
Fountain Plaza and Picnic Grove: Spaces for community gatherings, complete with grills, shade structures, and seating terraces.
The site also includes “The House of Many Porches”, a first-of-its-kind food and drink market inside Dix Park, serving locally sourced snacks, coffee, and beverages daily.
In addition to its extensive play infrastructure, the plaza weaves in thoughtful ecological design, with stormwater wetlands, pollinator gardens, and over 1,000 newly planted trees. Public art installations, including poetic inscriptions and large-scale sculptures, add a cultural dimension to the experience.
A Boost for Nearby Housing Developments
Aerial View of City Hike, Rooftop Townhomes for Sale in Downtown Raleigh
Gipson Play Plaza’s central location offers more than just recreational benefits — it’s also a major draw for homebuyers seeking proximity to nature and amenities without leaving downtown Raleigh.
City Hike is situated just minutes from Dix Park’s southern entrance. The contemporary collection, along Garner Road, offers twelve solar-ready units with skyline views, rooftop lounges, and proximity to the city’s expanding greenway network.
The community emphasizes sustainable urban living, and with Dix Park — and now Gipson Play Plaza — just a short bike ride or stroll away, the appeal for families, young professionals, and eco-conscious buyers is clear.
A Model for Parks-Driven Urban Development
Funded through Raleigh’s 2022 parks bond and a landmark $10 million private donation from Pat and Tom Gipson, the new plaza represents a growing commitment to weaving public space into the fabric of the city. The project is just the first phase of a long-term vision for Dorothea Dix Park, which city leaders hope will become one of the nation’s premier urban parks.
For nearby residents of City Hike, that vision is no longer in the future; it’s part of daily life. As Raleigh continues to grow, developments like City Hike are reshaping what it means to live downtown: proximity to green space, walkable amenities, and a strong sense of place. The addition of Gipson Play Plaza only strengthens that trend, offering not just a place to play, but a reason to stay.
Exterior of Move-in-Ready Townhomes at City Hike in Downtown Raleigh
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