Dix Park News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Giant trolls take over Dix Park

Thomas Dambo has built more than 170 trolls from recycled materials across five continents, including in countries like Denmark, China, France and South Korea.

Trolls artist shares story behind Dix Park creatures

Thomas Dambo shares the story behind the Giant trolls that have popped up at Dix Park.

Dix Park takes home trio of Sir Walter Raleigh Awards

At the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards, Dix Park's Sunflower Poles won in the Iconic Installations category. The Stone Houses captured the NC Preservation Award which spotlights initiatives that show extraordinary commitment to preserving the state's architectural and cultural heritage. The Gipson Play Plaza received the 2025 Imprint Award, which celebrates development projects that make a lasting impact on the city's growth, design, and vitality.

Giant trolls are coming to Dix Park, and the public is invited to help build them

Internationally-acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo will bring five trolls to Dix Park in Raleigh in the coming months, and the public is invited to be part of the process.

Raleigh's Gipson Play Plaza to boost safety with overnight security patrols after council vote

Raleigh City Council members unanimously approved a contract with Rhino Sports & Entertainment, LLC for supplemental security at Gipson during the overnight hours and special events.

Safety patrols coming to Gipson Play Plaza at Raleigh's Dix Park

Nearly half a million people have visited Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park in the two months since it opened in June. The Raleigh City Council approved nearly $300,000 for overnight, unarmed private security at the plaza.

Dix Park sunflowers in full bloom. Here's what you need to know

The sunflowers at Dix Park are in full bloom and ready to be enjoyed.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Kids, parents search for different ways to cool down in dangerous heat

Some families took to area splash pads on Monday as temperatures reached triple digits.

Capital City Juneteenth Celebration canceled due to weather, but other celebrations continue

The 5th annual Capital City Juneteenth Celebration was set for Saturday, June 14, at Dix Park in Raleigh. Organizers announced Friday that the event was being canceled due to weather concerns.

Gipson Play Plaza grand opening activities resumes in Raleigh after lightning delay

The grand opening festivities at Raleigh's Gipson Play Plaza have resumed after lightning temporarily suspended activities.

Dix Park playground now open: What to know about Gipson Play Plaza

Gipson Play Plaza, the 18.5-acre playground at Dix Park, opens to the public Friday, June 6. Here's what to know before you visit.

Gipson Play Plaza hosts sneak peek ahead of grand opening

WRAL took a sneak peek at a new one-of-a-kind landmark coming to Dix Park in Raleigh. City park employees and their families were able to take an early look at Gipson Play Plaza, a new recreation area that is days away from officially opening.

Sneak peek: Gipson Play Plaza at Raleigh's Dix Park

Gipson Play Plaza is an expansive, modern playground that presents kids with all kinds of opportunities for adventure at Dix Park.

Raleigh's Gipson Play Plaza unveils unique family fun ahead of grand opening on June 6

The 18.5-acre plaza includes climbing towers, interactive water features modeled after the Historic Yates Mill, picnic areas and a market for families.

Gipson Play Plaza to open in June

The Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park will hold its grand opening in June.

J. Cole takes center stage on day 2 of Dreamville Festival

Fans were upbeat on day 2 of Dreamville Festival at Dix Park on Sunday. Fayetteville native J. Cole was scheduled to be the headliner on Sunday night.

New playground at Dix Park will include food and beverage market

The Gipson Play Plaza opening at Dix Park will include a grab-and-go market, the Dix Park Conservancy announced Thursday.

Snow day at Dix Park: Sledding and wiping out part of the fun

Dix Park is a popular sledding site when snow falls in Raleigh.

Sky 5: Families enjoy the snow with sledding at Dix Park

Sky 5 captures families going sledding at Dix Park in Raleigh after Tuesday night's snowfall.

Dreamville festival will come to an end in 2025

The Dreamville Festival will come to an end in 2025 with its fifth and final event, as announced by organizers on Instagram

Raleigh mayor race: Former state treasurer Janet Cowell has big lead

Janet Cowell claimed victory in the Raleigh mayoral race, defeating four other people vying for the position.

Former state treasurer Janet Cowell to become next Raleigh mayor

Former State Treasurer Janet Cowell is due to become the 63rd mayor of Raleigh. She had close to 60% of the vote late Tuesday night.

WRAL Staff

95+ things to do in October

The North Carolina State Fair returns this month. You can also find Nicki Minaj, Oktoberfest events, fall and wine festivals and much more.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Some Raleigh power poles show sunflower influence

Dix Park Conservancy has teamed up with Duke Energy and artist Thomas Sayre for sunflower-shaped power poles on the east side of Dix Park on Lake Wheeler Road.

Sunflower tower installation begins at Dix Park

A renowned Raleigh artist is turning a pair of power poles at Dix Park into enormous sunflowers.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist