A Decade of Transformation
What began as an extraordinary vision has become one of Raleigh’s most iconic public spaces, with exciting new projects ahead.
A decade ago, Raleigh made a bold promise: to transform one of the City’s most historic landscapes into one of the nation’s great public parks. Today, that promise is becoming a reality. Each year, millions of people gather at Gipson Play Plaza, encounter the Dambo Trolls, wander through fields of sunflowers, and experience the beauty of Dix Park.
Over the past decade, generous donors have invested more than $75 million through the Dix Park Conservancy to create signature experiences, preserve history, and advance the vision for Dix Park. At the same time, the City of Raleigh has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to transform Dix Park into North Carolina’s Central Park.
What visitors experience today is only a glimpse of what is possible. The momentum is undeniable, and the opportunity before us is great.
“The creation of Dix Park is the most exciting & important urban park project in America today.”
Adrian Benepe
Former Director of National Programs,
Trust for Public Land
The Next Wave of Transformative Projects
The 2019 Dix Park Master Plan, shaped by more than 65,000 residents and adopted unanimously by City Council, remains our North Star. Guided by this vision, the Dix Park Conservancy, in partnership with the City, has identified the next opportunities for investment.
Buildings
Construct a new West Campus Field House, complete with public restrooms and event spaces. Advance additional building projects.
Environment
Restore and enhance the first section of Rocky Branch and Grove to create a vibrant waterway and nature escape in the heart of the city. Preserve the historic cemetery and expand green space.
Public Art
Build on the world-class public art program, including Alexandre Arrechea’s interactive Orange Functional, now on view.
Recreation
Build a destination dog park and expand the trail network that connects destinations throughout the park and links Dix Park to the community.
Signage and Interpretation
Create grand entries, intuitive wayfinding, and storytelling that help every visitor experience the history, significance, and beauty of Dix Park.
Turning Possibility into Reality
A century ago, this land was closed to the public. Two decades ago, its future was uncertain. Today, Dix Park is fast becoming one of the nation’s great urban parks. Now, the opportunity is not simply to witness that transformation unfold, but to help define what comes next.
Greatness in the Making: Building What’s Next is a capital campaign to bring the next wave of transformative projects to life. The campaign hopes to raise $50+ million to support each step of the process, from concept to construction to operation.
$50M+ CAMPAIGN GOAL
Greatness is built by people who lead. Join us.
A century ago, this land was closed to the public. Two decades ago, its future was uncertain. Today, Dix Park is fast becoming one of the nation’s great urban parks. The opportunity now is not simply to witness that transformation unfold, but to help define what comes next.
Every generation has the opportunity to shape the places that define its city. This is ours.
Contact Rob Maddrey at Rob@dixparkconservancy.org
About Dix Park Conservancy
Dix Park is the result of an extraordinary partnership between the City of Raleigh and the Dix Park Conservancy.
The City has invested over $150 million to acquire, restore, and develop the Park and remains committed to its long-term future. The Conservancy complements that public investment by inspiring philanthropy, engaging the community, and funding projects and experiences that accelerate the Park's transformation.
Every gift to the Greatness in the Making: Building What's Next Campaign advances the partnership’s shared purpose: a great park, open to all, for generations to come.