Very soon — spring of 2025 — kids and playful adults in Raleigh will have a brand new place to play at Dix Park. Gipson Play Plaza features 18.5 acres of playgrounds, gathering spaces, gardens, art and skyline views.
One unique thing about Gipson Play Plaza is that it includes elements that can be used by people of all ages. In fact, it will be the largest adventure playground in the Southeast.
Gipson Plaza Plaza is between Biggs Drive and Lake Wheeler Road, near Palmer Drive. You can use 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, as your destination address.
Read on for some of the features of Gipson Play Plaza.
Grand Opening
Gipson Play Plaza opens to the community with a weekend-long community celebration presented by the Dix Park Conservancy.
Friday, June 6, 2025: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | 4 – 6 pm
Saturday, June 7, 2025: Grand Opening Celebration | 9 am – 10 pm
Sunday, June 8, 2025: Grand Opening Celebration | 9 am – 10 pm
On Friday, City and Dix Park Conservancy leaders will officially cut the ribbon and celebrate this milestone achievement for our community. Saturday and Sunday the park will host a two-day community event featuring live music, family activities, roving entertainment, food trucks, an immersive light experience at night, and more!
Slide Valley
Slide Valley features four multi-story climbing towers connected by swaying and stationary bridges, Slide Valley is at the heart of the action with ladders, ramps, log scrambles, and slides. It was hand-built, using natural materials.
Watermill Mountain
Watermill Mountain, modeled after Historic Yates Mill, is a cascading waterplay area, kid-powered with pulleys, pumps, spouts and dams. The restroom building has 10 restroom cabanas with space to change clothes.
Sand Bowl
The Sand Bowl allowed for sand play and also includes a collection of wooden playhouses. There’s a foot shower station at the edge of the Sand Bowl.
Fountain Plaza
Fountain Plaza is the heart of the park, offering a community gathering space. Nearby is the waterfall and splash pad. The Grand Stair serves as an amphitheater-like seating for the plaza, to enjoy events and performances. ADA paths are to either side of the staircase.
Picnic Grove
Picnic Grove features 22 picnic tables and benches, close to the adventure playground. They’re made from reclaimed wood from Dix Park. Charcoal grills and seating are available on a first come, first served basis.
The House of Many Porches
The House of Many Porches features a market where you can buy snacks, sandwiches, salads, beverages (including beer and wine) and more. In addition, there is a Kitchen Garden planted with herbs, medicinal plants and fruit trees.
Sensory Maze
The Sensory Maze is a hedge labyrinth with interactive elements like mirror illusions, whimsical animals and musical elements. The Sensory Maze is paved with ADA accessible gravel.
The Swing Terrace
The Swing Terrace features a 91-foot-long wooden mega-swing with a variety of swing types for all ages and abilities.
Woodland Garden
The Woodland Garden is a quiet spot to relax, under the canopy of mature Post Oaks. Meandering paths, benches and two giant granite boulders are in this space.
Parking
There are multiple parking lots in Dix Park, with varying distance to Gipson Play Plaza. On weekends there will be free park-and-ride shuttles from designated lots. Please consult this map.
Accessibility
Please read about accessibility at Gipson Play Plaza here. The play areas have at grade access points with accessible interactive play features. The Slide Valley play tours have an ADA accessible route through the first level, including the sway bridge.
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
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Gipson Play Plaza, Dix Park, Raleigh
