Project
Dorothea Dix Park, Gipson Play Plaza
The Gipson Play Plaza was designed to provide exemplary stormwater management. The project highlights include rehabilitation or replacement of existing aging infrastructure, diversion of stormwater runoff away from neighborhoods at increase flood risk, alleviating potential flood risks along Lake Wheeler Road and the inclusion of numerous green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) strategies.
NC Grand Level Engineering Excellence, Site Design
American Council of Engineering Companies | Dorothea Dix Park, Gipson Play Plaza
2026
Top State/County/Municipal Project
Triangle Business Journal
2026
- Location
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- Raleigh, NC
- Project Owner
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- City of Raleigh
- Project Size
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- 18 acres
- Teaming Partners
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- MVVA
- Services Leveraged
- Project Types
Water plays a key role in the park design. McAdams designed GSI elements as park amenities in the plaza and parking areas. A meandering bioswale with a recirculating pump treats runoff form the plaza area. The parking lot features pervious pavement, bioswales and bioretention cells to control and treat run-off while minimizing the use of gray infrastructure.
McAdams worked collaboratively with the Park design team and the City of Raleigh GSI Advocates to ensure that this project embodies the City’s green initiatives.
Photo credit: City of Raleigh
