Raleigh is soliciting your ideas for Dix park
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The City of Raleigh is about to launch a 2 year, multi-million dollar master planning process to decide how to turn the Dorothea Dix property into a world renowned city park.
And the city wants everyone that's interested in the park to help them plan it. Right now, organizers are accepting applications for a 45 person Advisory Committee. That committee will help lead public meetings and work groups.
Whether you are interested in the arts and entertainment, the environment, development, or tourism, the city wants your input and ideas.
"This is going to be the place memories are made. That kids are inspired. And so our best idea probably isn't here yet," said Raleigh City Parks Planner Kate Pearce.
Pearce says she's gotten notes from people who've suggested a Gandola to connect Dix Park with downtown, to amusement rides and a water slide.
"What I tell everyone is 'Nothing's on the table, nothing's off the table,'" she shared.
The city is accepting applications through June 17. You can apply by clicking here.
INFORMATION THE NEXT PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Wednesday, June 8 from 5-7 p.m.
Raleigh Municipal Building
222 West Hargett Street
Room 201 - City Council Chambers
Drop in anytime between 5-7 p.m.
The planning process is expected to take about 2 years and cost millions of dollars.
Read More: Raleigh announces plans for Dorothea Dix park
City leaders say this is too big an opportunity to rush it. As for the cost, the Dix Park Conservancy partnered with the city and will pay for the planning. That includes consultants to help organize all the ideas collected from the community.
"Every citizen in this community will have a chance to voice their ideas, to put their ideas forward, and a consultant will have the responsibility for distilling these wide disparate ideas into something that's completely appropriate for this site." said Carlton Midyette with the Dix Park Conservancy.
Midyette's group has raised $3 million so far, and expects to raise another $3-$4 million by the end of the year to help the city pay for the planning needed to create the kind of park his group believes the city should have.
"It is important that we as a community, the political community and the private community, set the bar world class. It's very easy to say and hard to do. You've got establish that vision, you've got to plan that vision, and you've got to fund that vision. This is probably a 10 or 20 year effort. This will not be done right away. Nobody's in a hurry. We've got to get it right."
