Dix Park playground opens June 6: What to know about Gipson Play Plaza

Gipson Play Plaza, the 18.5-acre playground at Dix Park, opened to the public on Friday, June 6, 2025. 

2025-06-04

Here's everything to know before you visit, including frequently asked questions about the gigantic playspace. 

When does the Dix Park playground open?

Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park is open seven days a week during the following hours:

• May to September: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• October to April: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where is the park?

Gipson Play Plaza is located at at 715 Biggs Drive in Raleigh, on Dix Park's campus. Free parking is available.

Weekday visitors are reminded not to park in spaces designated and marked for state employees.

The playground can be accessed from Hunt Drive off Western Boulevard or from Goode Street off Lake Wheeler Road. It's big -- it will be hard to miss! Check out this photo gallery.

What's at Gipson Play Plaza?

Gipson Play Plaza is a wonderland for kids and kids-at-heart, with giant slides, climbing structures, a splashpad, interactive water play, green space and more. 

Slide Valley: "The heart of the action" with four multi-story climbing towers and multiple slides, including a tunnel slide. There are ropes courses, a see-saw, rock climbing, ladders, playspace for littles and plenty of shade seating for caregivers. 

Watermill Mountain: Modeled after historic Yates Mill, there is a custom-deigned millhouse that is kid-powered with pulleys, pumps, spouts and dams. Restrooms nearby offer space to change wet clothes. 

Sand Bowl: The home of "Boulder Town," a collection of wooden playhouses that younger kids will love. The Sand Bowl offers messy fun where sand meets water from Watermill Mountain. Restrooms nearby offer space to change wet clothes, and there is an outdoor shower for rinsing off sandy hands and feet.

Fountain Plaza: A waterfall-inspired splash area inspired by the waterfalls of western North Carolina.

Picnic grove: The picnic area features 22 picnic tables and benches between the playground area and the House of Many Porches Market. Charcoal grills and seating are first-come, first-served.

House of Many Porches Market: Treats for kids and adults, including grab and go snacks, sandwiches, drinks, ice cream, beer and wine and gifts. The market is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during peak season, May to September, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October to April.

Private and family restrooms: The restroom building has 10 private restroom cabanas with space to change clothes. One of the cabanas includes a private shower.

Is Gipson Play Plaza accessible for those with disabilities? 

Yes. ADA parking is available, and according to the website:

• All play areas have at grade access points with accessible interactive play features.
• The play towers in Slide Valley have an wheelchair accessible route through the first level that includes the sway bridge.
• Two slides have transfer platforms.
• There are three transfer platform access points in the Sand Bowl.

What's allowed?

Pets: Leashed pets and are allowed at Gipson Play Plaza. Pets are not allowed inside House of Many Porches Market, in any water play areas, or on the playgrounds.

Food and drink: Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Alcohol purchased at the House of Many Porches Market must be consumed in the designated area.

Service animals: Service animals are welcome in the park.

The park broke ground in August 2022, and construction began in October 2022. The project was funded by a generous $10 million donation from the Gipson family, the playground's namesake, in December 2022.