WEB EXCLUSIVEDorothea Dix Park’s The Oak Room is perfect for kiddos and dogs alike.
Before we know it, summer will be over (time flies when you’re having fun in the sun!), so take advantage of the warm weather and the kiddos being out of school by spending some quality time outdoors—with your pup, if you have one!
Lucky for us, Raleigh is home to a plethora of beautiful green spaces that make getting outside a breeze, and your doggo surely could use a day out to stretch its legs. Dorothea Dix Park—recently dubbed the Central Park of the South by Travel and Leisure Magazine—is the perf locale for any occasion: charcuterie with the squad, a family picnic or an afternoon of fetch with the dog!
And hanging out at Dix just got a whole lot brighter with the recently debuted Oak Room, located right next to Harvey Hill, Dix Park’s new go-to spot for families and dog owners alike. While the kiddos are hanging out on the swings and Fido runs free, relax on the benches or the bench swing, and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the shady picnic tables (a great way to cool off and refuel during a day of play). Water fountains designed with both water bottle and dog-drinking capabilities will keep you and your furry friends hydrated all day long. This hidden gem will no doubt become a crowd fave this summer when it comes to beating the heat while soaking up some sun!
WEB EXCLUSIVEThe City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s Devereux Meadow Park project is underway.
They don’t call Raleigh the City of Oaks for nothing. The city boasts a balance of urban opportunities and outdoor escapes that make getting out and about a breeze—we’re looking at you, 10,000-plus acres of parkland and a 100-plus-mile greenway system!
Raleigh’s newest park proposal, Devereux Meadow Park, will add even more greenspace to the area. The envisioned 14-acre park will be located at the corner of Capital Boulevard and Peace Street, the former location of the Devereux Meadow baseball park.
Picture strolling along the new park’s walking paths, soaking in the sun on the grass, picnicking with playmates or tossing a Frisbee to your furry friends, all just moments away from the heart of the city.
That vision is manifested in Devereux Meadow Park, which includes open gathering areas and trails, stream interaction spaces, promenades, public art and more.
And beyond a new atmosphere in which to enjoy a breath of fresh air, the Devereux Meadow Park project is also forecasted to include natural stormwater treatment areas, the daylighting and restoration of the Pigeon House Branch Creek, and a greenway connection from the Crabtree Creek Greenway to Downtown Raleigh (can we get a “hell yes!”?).
The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is currently in the planning and design phase for the proposed new urban park, which is expected to be completed in 2022. As plans develop, the city may adjust its current plan based on public opinion and expert recommendations. Keep up the good work, City of Oaks!
WEB EXCLUSIVE Raleigh’s newest park is open to the public! Located in Northeast Raleigh, River Bend Park features a kayak/canoe launch on the Neuse River, access to the Neuse River Greenway trail and a playground with a rubberized safety surface, swings, slides and a climbing bouldermore. The park makes for a great—and safe—place to take your kiddos during the weekend or to hop on the Greenway trail for an afternoon run, walk or bike ride. Once it gets warm again, take your canoe or kayak out for a ride, too.
River Bend Park’s 25 acres were purchased by the City of Raleigh in 2012 as a potential neighborhood park site. In 2014, Raleighites approved the 2014 bond referendum for parks, allocating $2 million for phase one construction of River Bend Park. However, construction didn’t officially begin until fall of 2019, after many citizen planning committee meetings, city council meetings, workshops and design proposals.
The now-opened park is easily accessible to students at River Bend Middle and Elementary Schools and Wake Tech University, as well as several surrounding Northeast Raleigh neighborhoods. Raleigh’s mild winter weather will surely provide several opportunities for exploring and enjoying the park this season.
River Bend Park is located at 5610 Wallace Martin Way and is open from dawn to dusk every day. For more information, visit raleighnc.gov/places/river-bend-park.
When it comes to picnicking, Dusti Patterson, an NC State engineering student and Air Force reservist, likes to go above and beyond: think full place settings, cozy blankets, plush pillows and taper candles. In May, Patterson founded Picnic Raleigh in order to provide a luxurious outdoor picnic experience for those looking for creative and fun date night ideas in the modern pandemic reality that are unique, yet safe.
Since then, Patterson has hosted picnics for birthdays, engagements, family nights, friendly get-togethers and other occasions in backyards and public parks throughout the Triangle. “Seeing the reaction on customers’ faces when they realize that a birthday or anniversary is still being celebrated during this difficult time is priceless,” Patterson says.
Patterson offers a classic picnic experience that includes a blanket and pillows, picnic basket with plates and utensils, chalkboard, small table, crystal glasses and decorations for four guests, as well as a more romantic party-for-two picnic experience. While Patterson’s picnics don’t include food in the price, you can bring your own snacks or get takeout from a local restaurant. Patterson also offers the option to customize color themes and add yard games like giant jenga, volleyball and cornhole.
WEB EXCLUSIVE The COVID-19 pandemic may have put the whole world on pause, but Dorothea Dix Park is still moving ahead with plans to make the park the “most important and exciting park project in America today.” Dix Park Conservancy president and CEO Sean Malone says the conservancy is committed to raising and contributing $10 million to move the creation of Dix Park forward, before the temporarily deferred bond initiative to support Raleigh parks and greenways makes additional public funds available.
Rendering by MVVA
Most recently, the city and Conservancy established a new Community Committee that ensures the conservancy is successful in creating “a park for everyone, built by everyone.” Members of the committee will represent the broad interests of the entire community and support outreach efforts in order to make sure that all voices are heard in the planning of the park.
“Both the Conservancy and the City are committed to ensuring that the creation of Dix Park is informed by diverse community voices,” Malone says. “[The Community Committee] embraces the importance of diversity at the decision-making table by being inclusive, equitable and representative of Raleigh’s population.”
The first big project in the Dix Park Master Plan that’s underway is the grand plaza and adventure play area. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the Master Plan’s design team, is leading the creation of the area which will include spectacular fountains, one-of-a-kind play structures, family gathering spaces and inspirational public art. It’s sure to be a fun space for both the young and the young at heart.
Gateway Plaza and Playground Concept | Rendering by MVVA
Additional projects include rehabilitating the hospital’s historic All Faiths Chapel into the Park’s first public building to be used as a gathering space featuring gardens and an outdoor event space, as well as developing signs to be placed throughout the park to share its history and help with navigation. An urban path that will connect Dix Park, through downtown, to John Chavis Memorial Park is also in planning.
These exciting plans are shared in conjunction with Dix Park’s fifth birthday tomorrow (Friday, July 24), marking five years since the City of Raleigh purchased the 308 acres from the state. Follow Dix Park on Instagram for more birthday fun. Happy Birthday!
