From Historic Campus to Raleigh's Largest Park

 What was once North Carolina’s first mental health hospital campus is quickly becoming Raleigh’s largest and most dynamic public park. The Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan, approved in 2019, is guiding this transformation, shaping 308 acres into a vibrant community destination. 

The Gipson Play Plaza, opening in 2025, will be the park’s first major feature. It will include imaginative play areas, fountains, gardens, and public art, creating a welcoming space for all ages. Nearby, the Rocky Branch Restoration will enhance the creek’s ecosystem, improve water quality, and create a greenway connection between downtown and the park. 
 
Accessibility matters and will be incorporated into this park. With support from a $1 million Wake County grant, Dix Park is adding temporary and permanent site improvements, along with participating in the LEAD (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability) Conference to strengthen ongoing accessibility efforts. 

These projects are just the beginning. With rolling hills, open fields, and shaded groves, Dix Park is on its way to becoming a one-of-a-kind destination for both residents and visitors. 

Learn more about Dix Park happenings