Gipson Play Plaza Opens 18.5-Acre Adventure Park in Raleigh

Gipson Play Plaza, an 18.5-acre adventure playground at Dorothea Dix Park in downtown Raleigh, officially opened to the public with a grand opening celebration featuring food trucks, live music, family activities, and immersive experiences. This large-scale playground, the largest in the Southeast, includes water features, climbing towers, a sensory maze, and shaded areas for families, transforming a former recreation field into a vibrant community space. The city is promoting the plaza as part of a broader economic development and family-friendly initiative, with free shuttles available to ease access and parking. However, some grand opening events were temporarily suspended due to dangerous lightning, with officials advising visitors to seek shelter and stay updated through city alerts. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell highlighted the plaza as a key investment enhancing the city’s reputation for green spaces and family recreation. The festivities continued throughout the weekend, drawing many families to enjoy the new park amenities.