July is Parks and Recreation Month
July 16, 2021
Parks and greenspaces are at the center of so many experiences and memories. Raleigh’s system of over 200 parks is a huge part of what makes our city so special.
As Mayor, I understand the value of building and maintaining world class parks in our growing city.
July is Parks and Recreation month and there is so much progress to celebrate on Dix Park, Chavis Park, Barwell Road Park, and future parks and recreation spaces. Check out some of what we’ve been working on below.
Pennies for Parks
In our recent budget, we funded critical park needs, including $38 million in desperate park maintenance over five years. The first improvements will be made at Laurel Hills Park, Pullen Park and the Pope House Museum, the only African-American house museum in North Carolina.
Dix Park
We have the opportunity to build the best destination park in the world. And we can’t mess it up. It is imperative Raleigh wisely develops Dix Park into a world-class attraction and community area.
The design for the first phase of the park, 18-acres of land called "Plaza and Play" was unveiled at a community meeting last Tuesday night. When completed, it will include attractions such as a “grand stair” that incorporates greenery leading up to the plaza and a waterfall. There will be a gorgeous playground with wooden towers, a sand bowl and slides, and a picnic area surrounded by trees and lights. There are also plans for cookout areas, gardens, mazes and a pedestrian path along Lake Wheeler.
Carolina Panthers and Barwell Road Park
The Carolina Panthers came to Raleigh this week to unveil a new Play 60 Challenge Course at the Barwell Road Community Center in Southeast Raleigh. It features a climbing wall and ropes course. We are thankful to the entire Panthers organization and the NFL for making this a reality.
Re-Opening of Historic Chavis Park
Last month we celebrated the re-opening of Historic Chavis Park in Southeast Raleigh. I was proud to see the unveiling after many years of hard work by community leaders, city staff, and city council. Built in 1937, Chavis Park has a storied history and we know that it will continue to serve the community well. Included in the renovations are a brand new community center building, plaza, children's splash area, and playground.
Devereux Meadow Park
The Parks Department is currently in the planning and design stage for a new urban park north of Downtown. The proposed designs are beautiful and would create a vibrant addition to our community. You can learn more about the history of the area and see proposed designs on our "Virtual Open House".
We also would like to hear from you! Fill out our public survey before July 23rd to give the city staff and council input on the current concept plans.
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