Making magic in the form of some big ’ol bubbles, find local legend Ken Thomas popping up around town (you might catch him at the NCMA or at Lake Johnson around sunset) for no reason other than to create massive bubbles for (’Gram-worthy) public enjoyment… and we aren’t gonna burst his bubble(s) anytime soon. BRB, drowning our troubles via this good Samaritan’s beautiful colorful soapy orbs. Pop off! @raleighbubbleman
Urban playground skating into the city? Raleigh is one step closer to finalizing plans for an amenity typically seen only in big cities like New York City, LA and Chicago.
Skate Raleigh, founded by Stephen Mangano and his 16-year-old son, Adrian—alongside John Cerqueira and Cody Charland—recently entered into a licensing agreement with the city to build Conlon Family Skate Park between Capital Boulevard and Peace Street (aka the land expected to one day become a city park—yet unnamed but formerly referred to as Devereux Meadow Park).
“It’s unbelievable,” says Mangano. “It is an obvious idea for that location—like once we tell people, they’re like, ‘Of course. Yeah, there needs to be a skate park there.’ To date, it’s been the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
Within just a few months, a community made up of teens and adults rallied behind the project, donating their time, funds and support. One of those people is Raleighite and Affordable Communities Group CEO and founder Mike Conlon, who donated $100,000 to the effort (hence the skate park’s name).
“I look at it as anything that helps Raleigh come together—I think it’s great for the community,” says Conlon. But also from a diversity standpoint, I think—especially that location—it’ll bring a lot of people together from different backgrounds, races, etc., to enjoy something they all have in common.” With skateboarding being a low-barrier-to-entry sport, Mangano also emphasizes the diversity and community that it provides.
To date, Skate Raleigh has raised more than $200,000 of its initial $400,000 goal, which will go toward funding the park, as well as design improvements and events.
Though not yet finalized, the park’s design will be tastefully simple. Rather than being chock-full of large ramps and bowls, it will include a lot of open space where people of all skill levels can take part in several wheeled sports—from skateboarding and scootering to roller-skating and biking.
“What you’re going to see is something you would find more in an urban plaza—so grindable benches, really mellow sloped embankments, flat bar railings, and smaller size banks and curbs,” says former pro skateboarder Kanten Russell, who also serves as a lead designer for New Line Skateparks, the firm engaged on the project.
Sig Hutchinson, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes the park will not only be fun and inviting, but will also fill a need in the city.
“I see this as an opportunity for skateboarding and other wheeled sports to become normalized and ultimately celebrated near Downtown.”
—Will Alphin, owner of REdesign.build and a Skate Raleigh Advisory Board member
“Skateboarders have a hard time finding a place to do their sport, and so they tend to go places where they aren’t necessarily welcome,” he says. “This provides that opportunity to give them a safe place to practice where they can feel at home with their buddies—and they and their parents know that they’re going to be OK, and they’re going to be safe.”
One teen who is sure to be at the park with his friends once it’s built is Adrian, who has been part of the process every step of the way.
“It feels pretty rewarding,” he says. “To be honest, [I’m most excited for] the skating, but also to see the community’s reaction to it and how they’ll interact with it and enjoy it and embrace it.” Alley-oop! skateraleigh.com
Support Squad
Meet the sponsors/donors who’ve made Conlon Family Skate Park possible.
Skatepark Designer
We love Raleigh—obviously. And we love love. And giving thanks. So in honor of that trifecta—we are leaning into this sentimental time of year by spotlighting the places that make Raleigh uniquely what it is—and that fulfill us most. There is much chatter these days of all the ways Raleigh is changing—a lot of mudslinging, complaints we are losing our soul or (god forbid) becoming another Charlotte. As with all things, the critics are loud. But there is much to love about Raleigh. To spotlight, we asked myriad members of the community from all walks of life to tell us what place in Raleigh they go to to reset—their “secret Raleigh happy place,” if you will. From unpaved trails to train station lookouts to cow pastures, we were reminded beyond wonder exactly how wonderful Raleigh is.
“Lake Johnson on the unpaved trail side. It’s quiet, peaceful and beautiful—especially as the sun casts light through the trees at golden hour.” —Tyler Helikson, co-founder & CEO, Happy + Hale
“My secret Raleigh happy place is the Downtown Express Library. I love that, in a short walk across Downtown, I have access to all of the books in the Wake County Public Library System, as well as super-friendly librarians who are always willing to talk about books and lend a helping hand! (Hey, Diane! 👋)” —Jed Byrne, business development representative, WithersRavenel; editor, oakcitycre.com
“Inside the globe at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences is one of my secret happy places. It’s a perfect retreat, especially during bad weather days. It’s calm and peaceful inside—and the videos they show are always captivating.” —Ashton Mae Smith, sponsorships, Citrix; co-host, Podcast Raleigh
“For a good lift-me-up, I love strolling the State Farmers Market and taking in all the beauty NC agriculture has to offer throughout the various seasons, supporting our farmers, and marveling at the beautiful produce and plants. Fortunately for me, my husband is an amazing cook, so anything I end up purchasing inevitably ends up as something delicious.” —Liv Jorgenson Wiese, commercial broker, Maverick Partners Realty Services Inc.
“This isn’t a place per se, but it is a view that immediately lifts my spirits. It doesn’t matter how long or hard my day has been or what remains on my to-do list, I love driving down Hillsborough Street heading home and seeing the NC State cows. There’s just something about that idyllic pasture scene in the middle of a city that gives me joy. It is definitively Raleigh. I hope they never move them.” —Andrea Weigl, Sandbox Collaborative
“Taking in a water view and fresh air at Lake Wheeler or Lake Johnson from the wonderful boathouse rocking chairs.” —Lisa Jeffries, founder/principal, Raleighwood Media Group + Raleighwood Event Group
“I love walking by the ‘Welcome to Raleigh, Y’all’ mural on East Street and New Bern Avenue. It’s a beautiful reminder that Raleigh’s core is inclusive and community-driven.” —Brit Guerin, co-owner, Current Wellness
“My son and I love using the Geocache app to hunt down treasures hidden along the the Neuse River Trail—either by bike or on foot. It provides adventure, as well as lots of sightseeing along this nature lovers tree-lined pathway that follows the Neuse River through Wake County.” —Sharon Delaney McCloud, director of corporate communications, UNC Health
“I love so much about Raleigh. It is the longest I have lived anywhere. My favorite spots are the special pond in our backyard and Gonza in North Raleigh. And my most special place is the arts organization where I work: Moonlight Stage Co. (Moonlight Arts and Entertainment). I’m surrounded by people and artists I love to be around.” —Estes Tarver, actor/director, Moonlight Stage Co.
“The Roast Grill. It’s simple; it’s small; it’s been there forever; it’s away from most everyone—and you still end up seeing folks you know.” —Gregg Sandreuter, commercial real estate, HM Partners
“My go-to secret Raleigh hangout spot is the Walnut Creek greenway. I love being able to walk from the farmers market into Downtown Raleigh!” —Lindsay Wrege, co-founder, 321 Coffee
“The Company Mill and Reedy Creek trails in Umstead Park: The lovely forested ambling here provides a retreat from Triangle town life—like having a bit of the NC mountains 15 minutes from my house in Raleigh.” —David Burris, TV/film director and producer
“I love the Umstead Hotel & Spa. The service is top-notch, and the environment is lovely and serene. It gives you the sense that you have traveled far away from the responsibilities and stress of your daily grind, and I often escape there for an evening or a weekend.” —Jackie Ferguson, co-founder and Head of Content, The Diversity Movement
“As cheesy and obvious as it sounds because I work here, my happy place really is A Place at the Table. As soon as I walk in, I hear so much laughter across tables; I smell waffles and coffee being prepared from the awesome staff; and I immediately get to hear about people’s days and their ‘happy places.’” —Maggie Kane, founder, A Place at the Table
“Walking at the NC Museum of Art is one of my favorite places to go in Raleigh. There is something calming about the trails with wide-open space in the middle of the city and seeing the permanent outdoor art installations. The museum property also always offers a surprise or two with new art installations, making each trip special and unique.” —Irish Dunlap, chief marketing officer, rXperius
“The State Farmers Market—getting flowers and walking through the herbs. The smells are like aromatherapy. I highly recommend it.” —Lily Ballance, owner, Willco + La Veladora; co-owner, Five Star
“I have lived in Raleigh my entire life, and, without a doubt, one of my favorite spots in the Triangle is the Green Hills County Park in North Raleigh. This park includes one of the highest points in Raleigh on the Top of the Hill Trail. Despite being surrounded by the city, the Top of the Hill Trail is the most quiet and peaceful location I have found in Raleigh that allows me to unplug and reset after a long week.” —Jacob Miles, BGE
“Videri Chocolate Factory’s back patio—cappuccino in hand—under the swaying bamboo and Japanese maple, their shadows dancing across Miriam Ruth’s colorful mural as the aroma of chocolate ebbs and flows. A real Raleigh nook.” –Paul Tuorto, designer & art director
“My absolute favorite spot to reset is the Union Station lookout. It’s a pretty quiet spot where you can catch trains coming in and pulling out of Downtown Raleigh. Normally, there aren’t many people there, and walking through beautiful Union Station on the way to the deck is a good way to clear your head.”
—Chris Powers, co-owner, Trophy Brewing | Young Hearts Distilling | State of Beer
“My happy place in Raleigh is the picnic tables at Greystone Village Shopping Center. In this little corner of the shopping center on nice days, there are so many options. I can grab a drink from Bottle Rev and fire up the laptop. My wife and I can take the kids to Two Roosters Ice Cream and let them run around. On date nights, we can grab sushi from Kai (and, then, yes, of course, Two Roosters after). And we can’t forget Gonza for the Mexican flag enchiladas and chicken tinga nachos. I always leave happy and full!” —Jason Gillikin, podcast executive producer, Earfluence
“Any Raleigh park where I can walk my dogs is my happy place. Fletcher. Chavis. Dix. Museum of Art. Umstead.” —Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin
“My Raleigh happy place is Blake Street. The cobblestone and string lights make any day a good day there, and it has some of the friendliest shop owners (Copperline Plant Co.) and best food around (City Market Sushi)!” —Cristi Diaz, engineering intern, BGE
“The view from Boylan Bridge is iconic to Raleigh. As the seasons change and Raleigh grows, this is the view I come back to every time. You can see the cranes, our original skyline transforming, the trains coming and going—you can really see all of it in one stance. #raleighisgrowing.” —Karly Wilson, creative director, @raleighisgrowing
“The Dillon rooftop.” —Sawyer Stephens, student, age 14
“The Raleigh Rose Garden. It’s just a great place to relax, enjoy the quiet and even picnic. Even in the fall, I’ll go there to read or walk. It’s so peaceful and restful during any season.” —Kristen Schrum
“My favorite spot is Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead at Lake Crabtree! It’s a great start to the greenway and has some of the best sunsets over the lake.” —Sean Junqueira, photographer, Trivantage
“Greenway runs are the perfect reset and a great way to escape for an hour or so.” —Susan Holt, owner/photographer, Susan Holt Photography LLC
“My favorite place in Raleigh is the Flower and Garden Show area at the NC State Fairgrounds. At night, it is like a magical fairy garden with lights and secret pathways.” —Amelia Lawson Maier, student, age 10
“Two Roosters ice cream. I enjoy trying their monthly rotating and unique flavors! —Abby Lampe, aka “Cheese Queen,” North Carolina State University alum ’22
“I love to run and walk in Pullen Park because it’s one of the best places to see the changing seasons. During the summer, the wildflowers and the sunflowers are in full bloom. In the fall, the leaves change and create this rich tapestry of colors around the lake. And when we are so lucky to get snowfall, it perfectly complements the park and its quiet beauty.” —Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporter and podcast host
“For me, I love walking from my house to different places in and around downtown. My favorite walk is to go from my house in Five Points to the YMCA on Hillsborough. I like to pass through Fletcher Park, stop at a few points to relax and watch the activity in the park, then walk up Park Drive to the Y. I have my headphones on, and it is a great way to see people and feel the pace of the city.” —Stephen Mangano, executive VP, Team Health
“Walking with the boys around Yates Mill Pond.” —David Meeker, partner, Trophy Brewing + Carpenter Development
“My boys and I love to walk the trails at Historic Yates Mill County Park, or Yates Mill Pond as we’ve always called it. The trails are gorgeous and a great place to catch up-close glimpses of snakes, herons, turtles, even eagles now and then, and other critters in the spring and summer. The different trail lengths are also great if you’re on a timeline or new to hiking or have little ones. It’s a great escape.” —Kurt Meyer, marketing director, Logan’s Garden Shop
“Oakwood Cemetery—a fascinating and beautiful cemetery that feels reverent and alive at the same time. They do a great job welcoming the community and presenting our history while respecting those who rest there.” —Matt Smith, vice president, Wake Tech
“One of my favorite Raleigh spots is the greenway over by the Bain Water Treatment Plant in the Caraleigh neighborhood. There is an extended boardwalk that hovers over a wetland—it’s always so green and lush, and feels like a secret oasis so close to the city. The best time to visit is right after a big rainstorm. You’re bound to see turtles and deer and tons of other critters! Be careful if you’re on a bike though—the boardwalk can get pretty slippery!” —Anna Grace FitzGerald, owner, Copperline Plant Co.
“Lake Raleigh and the Museum Park are two of my fave spots in Raleigh to reset and enjoy a glass of wine with nature.” —Doreen Colondres, chef, wine educator & owner, Vitis House
“My secret place is Laurel Hills Park, specifically the basketball court outside. I grew up at that park—a lot of good memories playing basketball in the summers—and it has now become the place I visit early in the morning just to be alone, shoot some free-throws, and think. I’m older now, so I can’t run around with the teens, but it does take me back to those times, which is soothing…” —Johnny Hackett Jr., CEO, The Black Dollar Corp.
Dorothea Dix Park is one step closer to becoming a world-class destination park—especially for the kiddos (!). Last month, Truist Bank donated $2 million to help the city build the Gipson Play Plaza Picnic Grove, which will cover 18 acres of the park and feature a play space, art installations and an adventure playground, while the historic homes on the property will be turned into cafes.
“We’re hoping Dix is living up to its mission of being a park for everyone, not just in Raleigh but from around the region and the state,” Dix Park Conservancy President and CEO Janet Cowell told WRAL.
Truist Bank’s donation makes it one of Dix Park’s 21 founding partners. (The play plaza was named after the Gipson family, who donated $10 million to the park in December 2021.)
A large part of the city’s $275 million parks bond will also go toward paying for the play plaza. ICYMI, this is Raleigh’s largest-ever parks and greenway bond and the money will go toward building and fixing parks around the city. Raleigh voters will have to vote for or against it on their ballots in November, and if it’s passed, the city’s property tax rate will be raised between 3 and 4 cents per $100 of assessed property value.
Construction on the Gipson Play Plaza Picnic Grove is expected to begin this summer, around the same time when Dix Park’s sunflower field is going to be in full bloom (save the date for mid-July and start working on your flower field poses!).
Rumblings of transforming 14 acres of city-owned polluted dead space into a dedicated DTR park have droned on for more than a decade to no avail. But, alas, inklings of a Devereux Meadow Park project vision are finally being set into motion. And, in the meantime, one young Raleighite is vying for it to become a temporary skate park.
While still in the conceptual design phase, the proposed urban park situated between Capital Boulevard and Peace Street—slated to become a natural, passive park including two plazas, a wetlands system, walking paths, areas for public art and more—has garnered a lot of public attention over the years, both in terms of what it could become and what the space could be used for in the process.
But before we roll ahead, let’s get up to speed on the so-far dormant park’s status. Last year, the City of Raleigh developed three distinct designs for the park, which were reviewed by a project stakeholder committee and then presented to the public in the form of an open house. A survey was then administered to the public during spring/summer 2021 for input on preferred design—and suggestions for elements that should be added—which the city’s design team used, in conjunction with other data, to develop its current draft concept plan late last fall.
In the city’s continued efforts to include the community in the park’s planning, another survey for public comment on the latest draft proposal was recently open from Feb. 7–March 9.
Meanwhile, the park’s interim potential has sparked its own conversation. “With any park project, especially of this type … this is something that the taxpayers—the citizens of Raleigh—are paying for, so it’s very important for us in any park planning and early design process to actively engage the public as much as possible,” says Raleigh Capital Projects Manager Gary Claiborne.
And actively engaged Raleigh’s citizens are—specifically 16-year-old skateboarder Adrian Mangano, a sophomore at Enloe Magnet High School who is spearheading the charge. While plans for an interim public use of the site are currently undetermined, Mangano, alongside a few other locals, is calling for the space to be used as a temporary skate park where area youth and adults can skateboard, scooter or BMX (bicycle motocross). They’ve even developed a website to gain support and public interest (skateraleigh.com)—though, like the park, it’s in its nascent stages.
For those in the know, images of other mini-metropolises with recognized skate parks roll to mind—like Burnside in Portland or Skate Lab in Atlantic Beach, Florida. These havens are proven to provide area youth—and adults alike—safe spaces to ride while also keeping them off streets and city properties (e.g. government building stairs…).
For BMX’ers and boarders looking for a place to land—or flip and fly as the case may be—a temporary skate park in Raleigh would provide an easily accessible space where teens like Mangano (and people of all ages) could gather to simply do what they love.
Right now, Marsh Creek Park on New Hope Road features the only skate park in town… and it has its limitations. For one, kids and (most) teens can’t drive—so what would only be a 15-minute commute from Downtown becomes a less appealing—if not altogether unappealing—two-hour-plus walk.
Mangano also notes that that particular skate park lacks variety in its setup—designed for transition skating (think skating bowls) rather than street skating, which focuses more on rails and other urban obstacles.
Without another alternative, Mangano and his friends have—like most wheel enthusiasts in town—turned to skating along Fayetteville Street and in other areas Downtown. “That also brings limitations, though, with people not wanting us to skate Downtown,” he says. Precisely what a dedicated skate park, temporary or not, could alleviate.
Adds Mangano’s father, Stephen Mangano, who supports the addition of a temporary skate park, “Where Devereux Park is proposed, it may take several years, but if we can activate that [space now] with something interesting… it’s a good kind of test case. Will kids use [the temporary skate park], and how much demand can we create?”
Another resident pushing for the temporary skate park is Raleigh Sister Cities President Cody Charland, also a marketer, skateboarder and father to an 8-month-old whom he can’t wait to teach to skate.
“We’re just at half a million people [in Raleigh]. One skate park for half a million people is not enough,” says Charland. “We’re growing in so many different ways, and look at the year that we’re in. … We’ve got to think about how these public spaces and park spaces can be transformed to be useful spaces.”
So what’s the likelihood of Raleigh’s long-awaited park project answering the call? That’s up in the air. “The project design team will review the comments received during the public engagement process to work on finalizing the concept plan by May 2022,” says Claiborne, adding: “Future phases of the project—including advanced design, permitting and construction—are currently not funded, but the project has been considered by City Council for possible inclusion in a future parks bond package.”
And we should note, pitching the park as a recreational sports space, however temporary, goes beyond a place to ramp up passionate riders. It’s also a nod to Raleigh’s history, as the land was once the site of the Devereux Meadow minor league baseball stadium (hence the park name), where teams like the Raleigh Capitals and Raleigh Pirates played. (Let us please pause for a moment of silence for a time when Raleigh had its own DTR baseball team…)
Post-defunct-team and the demo of the stadium in 1979, the now-dilapidated land has mostly served as a city-owned maintenance facility. The new park—and what that land becomes in the interim, in any iteration—undeniably breathes life into Downtown.
“One of the best parts (about skateboarding) is really just the community,” says the younger Mangano. “Because when you’re skating with your friends, you just motivate each other to do better.” See you on the halfpipe? skateraleigh.com