Raleigh, NC – June 20, 2025 — According to a press release issued by Balfour Beatty, the company, in joint venture with Holt Brothers Construction, has completed the signature project of Phase 1 of the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan. As the largest adventure playground in the Southeast, the new 18.5-acre facility is designed to welcome people of all ages and abilities.
Built on the historic 308-acre site of Dix Park, the playground features 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 this highly complex community project.
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.
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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
