Balfour Beatty and Holt Brothers Complete Gipson Play Plaza, Southeast’s Largest Adventure Playground at Dix Park
The joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Holt Brothers Construction has completed the transformative Gipson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina—marking a major milestone in the implementation of the Dix Park Master Plan. At 18.5 acres, it is now the largest adventure playground in the Southeastern United States and serves as the signature feature of Phase 1 of the park’s redevelopment.
Located within the historic 308-acre park, the Gipson Play Plaza sets a new benchmark for inclusive community spaces. Designed for all ages and abilities, the project required sophisticated engineering, custom fabrication, and innovative construction techniques spanning 10 distinct play zones.
Complex Construction Meets Community Vision
“This project exemplifies what’s possible when innovative construction techniques meet visionary design,” said Jeff Sandeen, President of Balfour Beatty in the Carolinas. “From complex soil integration to hand-crafted stonework, our team demonstrated the kind of problem-solving expertise needed to deliver a one-of-a-kind park experience.”
Among the most technically demanding aspects was the Fountain Plaza play zone, where a hand-cut stone archway and a curved stone ceiling were constructed behind a cascading waterfall. Months of coordination with expert masons and carpenters resulted in a unique space where visitors can stand behind a simulated Appalachian waterfall—an engineering and aesthetic feat supported by custom cribbing and scaffolding.
Innovation on a Historic Site
Working on a 100-year-old site presented significant challenges. The team successfully relocated major powerlines ahead of schedule in partnership with Duke Power. Advanced drone technology was used to map previously undocumented underground utilities, generating photomosaics integrated into construction models to avoid costly delays.
Other standout features include:
- Slide Valley: Four multi-story climbing towers with an underground slide requiring specialized excavation and waterproofing.
- Watermill Mountain: Cascading waterplay structures feeding into the Sand Bowl, designed to simulate a beach environment.
- Swing Terrace: A dramatic 91-foot-long swing structure engineered to handle dynamic loads while offering panoramic skyline views.
The team also developed a cost-effective soil integration strategy. Through on-site conditioning and mechanical aeration, native soils were successfully blended with design-specified materials—eliminating the need for extensive excavation and preserving project timelines and budget.
Built for the Community, by the Community
“This is more than just another construction project,” said Jonte Harris, Senior Project Manager at Holt Brothers Construction. “The Gipson Play Plaza is a community landmark—built to inspire, engage, and bring people together for generations.”
The park’s design emphasizes universal accessibility, with ADA-compliant pathways, 10 accessible restroom cabanas, and inclusive features throughout. Additional amenities include:
- Sensory Maze: A hedge labyrinth with interactive sensory elements.
- Picnic Grove: Outfitted with 22 tables made from reclaimed Dix Park wood.
- House of Many Porches: A flexible market space.
- Kitchen Garden and Woodland Garden: Spaces for education and relaxation.
City Applauds Milestone Project
“We’re thrilled to open the Gipson Play Plaza for Raleigh residents,” said Stephen C. Bentley, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources for the City of Raleigh. “It’s a bold vision brought to life by partners who matched our commitment with innovation and excellence.”
This successful delivery builds on a strong partnership between Balfour Beatty and Holt Brothers, who have previously collaborated on projects including the Southeast Raleigh YMCA, Wilson YMCA, Wake County Elementary School, and North Carolina Central University’s Student Center.
The Gipson Play Plaza is now open to the public, offering a vibrant, inclusive destination that reimagines what public parks can be.
