Gipson Play Plaza – Dix Park – Grand Opening – NLI – ADA Title II

Gipson Play Plaza – Dix Park – Grand Opening

Confetti falls over children playing outdoors, celebrating at a nature-based playground.

Gipson Play Plaza (GPP)

On June 6, GPP opened as the first major investment and iconic, welcoming entrance to Raleigh’s 308-acre Dix Park, as specified in the 2019 park master plan created by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MVVA). The park honors Dorothea Dix, mental health reformer, founder of the farm-based institution previously established on the site.

When MVVA was selected to design GPP (in reality, an 18.5-acre family play park), the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI), longtime MVVA collaborator, continued as a play environment expert, along with APE Studio, U.S. arm of the German Richter Spielgeräte company, creators of unique playground structures, playful sensory art installations, and engaging sculptures.

As the landscape architect and lead designer, MVVA collaborated with numerous consultants, together Implementing the overall design concept inspired by the social/cultural history of “Dix Hill” and the surrounding Piedmont landscape. Design philosophy framed:

An adventurous, free-range play place, where kids can move without limits, climb, take risks, and “mess around,” internally motivated, following their own desires.
A place where children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can play together.
A health-promoting, constantly changing, interactive, biodiverse, three-dimensional, complex space, where discoveries are made around every corner, with each visit, from toddlerhood to teen.
A community gathering ground, picnicking with family and friends, making new ones, relaxing at the House of Many Porches, strolling, exploring, enjoying the ever-changing, immersive landscape, prompting playful activities in every direction, above and below.
A kaleidoscope of indelible, visually memorable spots, including the circular restroom courtyard, with an archway entry framing a tree grove shading sitting stones. Unforgettable!

The MVVA team, led by Matthew Urbanski, Hillary Archer, and Martin Roura, managed day-to-day coordination with Dix Park Director, Kate Pierce, other City of Raleigh staff, monitoring design progress, public engagement, scheduling and budgeting, managing subconsultants, overseeing every stage of construction, to ensure a high quality built environment.

Dedicated to sustainability, MVVA, city staff, and consultants collaborated to design and implement innovative stormwater management practices, integrating green infrastructure as part of the landscape.

Impeccable installation quality reflects the tireless efforts of a dedicated construction crew, day after day, regardless of weather, applying artisan skills to achieve an undeniable result to be proud of.