Raleigh, NC – June 20, 2025 —

Phase 1 signature project of the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan is a completed 18.5-acre Gipson Play Plaza adventure playground designed to provide inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. According to a press release issued by Balfour Beatty, the company delivered the project in joint venture with Holt Brothers Construction.

Built on the historic 308-acre site of Dix Park, the playground featured ten distinct play zones, each requiring intricate engineering and construction techniques. The joint venture team collaborated closely with the City of Raleigh, architects, and skilled tradespeople to deliver the complex community project.

Other Projects

Other than the the Gipson Play Plaza, recreational parks across the U.S. such as the Trinity River Park project in Texas are also advancing. The construction of the $350 million Trinity River park project underway in Dallas as the first attraction, the Play Cove, advances. The monumental project, known as the Harold Simmons Park is advancing across the Trinity River. It is aimed at transforming the Trinity River corridor into a major recreation destination in North Texas. Moreover, the Play Cove is the park’s first major feature and it is already taking shape. However, much of it is being built overseas.

Official Statement

Jeff Sandeen, Balfour Beatty’s President in the Carolinas, is quoted in the release saying:
“The successful delivery of this project shows how innovative design and construction can create world-class public spaces.”

Key features include:

• Slide Valley, with four multi-story climbing towers and a custom underground slide
• Fountain Plaza, featuring a hand-cut stone ceiling behind a cascading waterfall
• Watermill Mountain and Sand Bowl, offering engineered waterplay and a beach-like dual-zone experience
• Swing Terrace, showcasing a 91-foot-long swing with skyline views
• Other areas such as the Sensory Maze, Picnic Grove crafted from reclaimed wood, Woodland Garden, and fully accessible pathways

Jonte Harris, Senior Project Manager at Holt Brothers Construction, added:
“This is a lasting gift to the Raleigh community. We’re proud to have helped bring this vision to life.”

The press release also highlights innovations such as on-site soil integration techniques and drone mapping of underground utilities, which helped preserve the site’s character while avoiding costly delays. The team also relocated existing powerlines and designed custom cribbing to support the intricate stone ceiling structure.

Stephen C. Bentley, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources for the City of Raleigh, noted:
“This was a bold vision, made real by a construction team with unmatched creativity and commitment.”

This project builds on the Balfour Beatty–Holt Brothers partnership, which has delivered other community-focused developments across North Carolina, including the Southeast Raleigh YMCA and the NCCU Student Center.

Also read: Universal Orlando’s $8 Billion Epic Universe Theme Park Expected to Open

Key Facts – Gipson Play Plaza

• Project Name: Gipson Play Plaza
• Location: Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Size: 18.5 acres
• Significance: Largest adventure playground in the Southeastern U.S.
• Client: City of Raleigh
• Delivery Team: Balfour Beatty and Holt Brothers Construction joint venture

Features:

• 10 unique play zones
• ADA-accessible pathways and facilities
• 91-foot swing structure
• Stone waterfall feature
• Multi-story climbing towers and underground slides
• Sensory Maze and Woodland Garden

Innovations Used:

• Drone mapping of underground utilities
• On-site soil integration and mechanical aeration
• Custom scaffolding and stonework

Completion Date: June 2025