DOROTHEA DIX PARK

MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Preliminary Information Packet

WELCOME
It is my pleasure to welcome you as a member of the Dorothea Dix Park
Master Plan Advisory Committee. I want to thank you for your commitment
and future time and efforts in supporting the park planning process.
Committee members have been selected to ensure a broad representation
of the community and to provide expertise in specific subject areas; but I
would encourage all of you to remember that your role is not necessarily
to advocate for your areas of expertise but rather to inform and enhance
a broader community discussion on the vision and future plans for the
park. Keep an open mind as we work together to think creatively and
imaginatively as we consider all of the different possibilities for the park.
The next two years will be an incredibly important time in the development
of the Dix Park property. The Citys investment combined with the support
of the Dix Park Conservancy and the broader public will ensure that
together, Raleigh develops a master park plan that honors the history
of the property, reflects the values of the community and creates an
innovative and ambitious vision for the future.
I look forward to working with all of you and I want to thank you again
for serving as a member of the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan Advisory
Committee.
Kind regards,

Nancy McFarlane
Mayor, City of Raleigh

DOROTHEA DIX PARK

The measure of any great civilization is in its cities, and the measure of a
citys greatness is to be found in the quality of its public spaces, its parks
and squares. - John Ruskin

The purchase of the Dorothea Dix Campus by the City of Raleigh provides an
extraordinary opportunity to create a transformational public park that will:
Contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Raleigh, existing
adjacent and future neighborhoods, the Triangle region and the State.
Support the ongoing growth and development of the Centennial and
Main Campuses of North Carolina State University, the North Carolina
Department of Agricultures State Farmers Market, and other
regional institutions.
Integrate into and build upon the Citys regional park and greenway
system, and be mutally supportive of other city parks and cultural
institutions.
Incorporate at a most fundamental level the notions of sustainability
and the relationship between the health of the human spirit and
landscape.
Exhibit the highest level of planning principles and design innovation.
Demonstrate that sustained, broad and inclusive public engagement is
essential to the long-term development, support and use of the park.
Dix Park will emerge as a remarkable civic space that welcomes all. It
will embrace its history and legacy, showcase its beautiful and inspiring
landscape and become a destination, a landmark, and an icon for the City.
The most successful parks across the United States include some form of
public-private partnership and the City of Raleigh supports the value and
importance of having these partners as an integral part of the planning
and development of Dorothea Dix Park. As a result, the City of Raleigh
is collaborating with the Dix Park Conservancy for the fundraising and
development of a master plan for Dorothea Dix Park.

MISSION

In partnership with the City of Raleigh, the Dix Park Conservancy supports
the planning, development, and operation of Dorothea Dix Park to create a
premier destination park for our community, state, and nation.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS
Greg Poole, Jr., Chairman Emeritus and Fundraising
Jim Goodmon, President and Chairman of the Board
Ann Goodnight, Vice-Chair of the Board
Bill McNeal, Secretary
Chuck Neely, Treasurer

COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Chuck Neely, Operations & Finance
Lucy Bode, Public Relations & Marketing
Bill Padgett, Community Engagement & Outreach
Orage Quarles, Nominating
Carlton Midyette, City & Government Relations
Assad Meymandi, Dix Legacy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dhamian Blue
Jay Chaudhuri
Zach Clayton
Janet Cowell
Kate Dixon
Charman Driver
Tashni Dubroy
Anne Franklin
Ed Fritsch
Majorie Hodges

Olivia Holding
Terrance Holt
Myrick Howard
Russ Jones
Willa Kane
Doug McMillan
Wayne Maiorano
Siobhan Millen
Joyce Pope
Lee Roberts

Bill Ross
Temple Sloan
Jay Spain
Matt Tomasulo
Jim Whitehurst
Blount Williams
Randy Woodson
Carter Worthy

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Frank Holding Sr.
Jim Hunt
Bob Ingram
Sherwood Smith
For more information visit the Dix Park Conservancy website at www.dixparkconservancy.com.

MASTER PLAN PROCESS

The Dorothea Dix Park planning process will be unique, progressive, and ambitious so that the final master
plan is visionary and iconic for the future of Dorothea Dix Park and the City of Raleigh. This process will be
unique from any previous park planning effort by the City.
The planning process will provide opportunities for the community to discover the parks history, beauty
and potential. It will be inclusive, transparent, and provide broad equitable opportunities for public
participation.

Make no little plans; they have no magic to sir mens blood and probably
themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.
- Daniel Burnham
The following graphic depicts the overall timeline for the master planning process.

2016

2017

2018

2019
PHASE 1: PLANNING TO PLAN

Activation & Engagement

Master Plan Committee Structuring

Consultant Selection Process

MPAC Orientation & Training Preparation Sessions

PHASE 2: MASTER PLANNING

Site Assessment

Visioning

Concept Development

Recommendations Framework

Documentation

Plan Adoption

MPAC Responsibilities

The City calls on the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) to help guide this process. Your role as a
member of the Committee includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Advise - Committee members represent the broad interests of the community and advise the consultant team and the City.
Enrich - Committee members will share specific knowledge or experience to share with the consultant team and the City to

enrich the planning process.
Advocate - Committee members champion the planning process and Dorothea Dix Park.
Engage - Committee members are involved in public outreach and engagement throughout the planning process.
Lead - Committee members lead, with the assistance of City staff, subcommittees relevant to their knowledge or
experiences.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
The Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan Process will be governed by a three-tiered organizational structure led
by the Master Plan Executive Committee (MPEC), which represents the partnership between the City of
Raleigh and the Dix Park Conservancy.

MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

This committee will select the master plan consultant
team, make final recommendations to Council and work
with other leadership groups across the City

MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

This Committee will advise the consultant team, make
recommendations to the Leadership Committee, be
heavily involved in public outreach and engagement and
serve as project advocates. Members of the Advisory
Committee will also lead subcommittee workgroups.

WORKGROUPS
Workgroups will enrich the planning process by providing
topic-specific expertise. Members of the workgroups will
be involved in public outreach and engagement.

Nancy McFarlane, Mayor, City of Raleigh &

Committee Chair
Kay Crowder, Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Goodmon, Dix Park Conservancy
Carlton Midyette, Dix Park Conservancy
Orage Quarles, Dix Park Conservancy
Randy Woodson, Chancellor, NC State University
Diane Sauer, Director of Parks, Recreation &
Cultural Resources
Ken Bowers, Director of Planning

Forty-five members, chosen through a public

application process, represent a broad and diverse
cross-section of the community.

Arts & Cultural Resources

Business & Entrepreneurship
Community Health
Design Professions
Environment & Natural Resources
Education
Faith
History
Mobility
Neighborhoods & Communities
Parks & Recreation
Real Estate & Development
Tourism
Youth

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Below is the complete list of individuals that make up our 45 member Master Plan
Advisory Committee. Each persons specific workgroup interests or specialties is listed, but
not limited to, the categories following their name. Please do not distribute this contact
information without the individuals permission.

Jacquie Ayala jacquelinef.ayala@gmail.com

Environment & Natural Resources, Education, Parks & Recreation

James Benton
james.benton@dhhs.nc.gov

History, Mobility, Neighborhoods & Community, Parks & Recreation
Roderick Brown
rjbrown78@yahoo.com

Education, Neighborhoods & Communities, Youth
Walter Cole walter@skyportdrones.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education
Son Duong son@cisco.com

Community Health, Environment & Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation
Brent Francese
brent@runologieraleigh.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Health, Design Professions
Daniel Gottlieb
dgottlieb@ncartmuseum.org

Arts & Cultural Resources, Design Professions, Environment & Natural Resources,

Parks & Recreation
Mary Ruffin Hanbury
maryruffin@hanburypreservation.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Design Professions, History
Jenny Harper raleighharper@yahoo.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, History, Tourism
Greg Hatem greg@empire1792.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, History, Neighborhoods & Communities, Real Estate &
Development
Ebony Haywood
haywood.ebony@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Youth
Thomas Hester
thomashester@yorkproperties.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Real Estate & Development, Youth
Myrick Howard
mhoward@presnc.org

Design Professions, History, Real Estate & Development

John Johnston
jwjohnst342@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Neighborhoods & Communities
Carly Jones 2carly.jones@gmail.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Education, Neighborhoods & Communities, Parks &

Recreation, Youth
Aly Khalifa gamila@gmail.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Design Professions
Bill King billking@downtownraleigh.org

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, History, Mobility,

Neighborhoods & Communities, Real Estate & Development
Jai Kumar jkumar923@gmail.com

Community Health, Education, Neighborhoods & Communities, Youth
Charles Leffler
dresden1950@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Neighborhoods & Communities, Real Estate &
Development
Caroline Lindquist
cswlindquist@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Design Professions, Environment & Natural Resources
Chris MacPherson
chris.macpherson@sas.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Parks & Recreation, Tourism
Wayne Maiorano
wmaiorano@smithlaw.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Health, Parks &

Recreation, Real Estate & Development
David Millsaps
david@eyevariety.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Parks & Recreation
Dr. Tony L. Mitchell
tony_mitchell@ncsu.edu

Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Neighborhoods & Communities
Joan Moravick
joanmoravick@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Parks & Recreation
Annie Lloyd Nesbitt
annielloydn@gmail.com

Design Professions, Mobility, Parks & Recreation
Shana Overdorf
soverdorf98@gmail.com

Community Health, Neighborhoods & Communities, Parks & Recreation
Bill Padgett bill@billpadgett.com

Environment & Natural Resources, Education, Neighborhoods & Communities
Julie Paul julie.paul@uli.org

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Real Estate & Development

Charles Phaneauf
charles@raleighlittletheatre.org

Arts & Cultural Resources, Neighborhoods & Communities, Parks & Recreation
Robert Poston
rposton@live.unc.edu

Education, Parks & Recreation, Youth
Sara Prado sara.guiti.prado@gmail.com

Environment & Natural Resources, Mobility, Neighborhoods & Communities
Brian Pressley
brianpressley@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Health, Real Estate & Development
Megg Rader mrader@bellsouth.net

Arts & Cultural Resources, Community Health, Environment & Natural Resources
Sarah Reeves smsreeves@gmail.com

Design Professions, Environment & Natural Resources, Real Estate & Development
William Ross bross@brookspierce.com

Community Health, Environment & Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation
Amy Simes amysimes@gmail.com

Design Professions, Environment & Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation
Ashton Smith ashtonmae@gmail.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Real Estate &
Development
Joey Stansbury
joeystansbury@gmail.com

Faith, History, Neighborhoods & Communities
Matthew Tomasulo
matt.tomasulo@gmail.com

Arts & Cultural Resources, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Health,

Design Professions, Neighborhoods & Communities
Edward Vinson
edward.vinson@gmail.com

Business & Entrepreneurship, Neighborhoods & Communities, Real Estate &
Development
Joe Whitehouse
joe@cueinc.net

Design Professions, Real Estate & Development, Tourism
Kimberly Wicker
kimberly@coalydesign.com

Design Professions, Neighborhoods & Communities, Parks & Recreation
Andrew Williams
aw2017@gmail.com

Neighborhoods & Communities, Real Estate & Development, Youth
Larry Zucchino
larryz@jdavisarchitects.com

Design Professions, Environment & Natural Resources, Real Estate & Development

HISTORY & LEGACY

In 1848, Dorothea Lynde Dix, an advocate for the mentally ill, visited North Carolina to research the
current treatment and living conditions of mentally ill residents in poorhouses, jails, and private homes.
She used her findings to lobby the legislature to establish a facility specifically for these residents.
Although initially unsuccessful, Dorotheas care-taking relationship with the wife of State Representative
James Dobbin in the last days before her death led to the passage of the bill to establish the first mental
institution in North Carolina.

Dorothea Dix first visited North Carolina

and initiated the movement of providing
better facilities and treatment for the
mentally ill.

About 16,000 soldiers from the

Union Army camped on Dix Hill
during the Civil War.

Titled The Insane Asylum of North Carolina,

the Dix Hill Hospital, established on 182 acres
with $166,000 in funds, accepted its first
patient in February 1856.

1902

1865

1857

1856

1848

Dix Hill reached a total of 138 patients by

October 1857, a year and half after opening.

1907

The hospital property was

expanded by 1,155 acres.

Dix Hospital became an operating

school for nurses.

(All data and images were obtained from the City of Raleigh and
Haven on the Hill, Marjorie ORourke, 2010 unless otherwise noted.)

The Spring Hill property, now owned by NC State, is home to the oldest marked grave in Wake County,
Colonel Theophilus Hunter, the original owner of the plantation that became the Dix Hospital in 1856.
Fires destroyed the gasworks building, the original male wing of the hospital, and the laundry facility
between 1859 and 1926.
Beginning with 90 patients in the fall of 1856, the hospital grew to house 2,145 patients by 1937.
Lake Raleigh was originally created to meet the hospitals need for more water.
The inactive landfill area currently being used as soccer fields was the former home of the hospitals
hogs. They were fed by spreading leftover garbage across the rocky ravine.

UNIQUE FACTS

Dorothea Dix is credited with founding 32 mental health institutions in the United States.

On December 19th, NC Governor James B.

Hunt allotted 355 acres of the Dorothea
Dix Campus to start the NCSU Centennial
Campus.

The Dix Hospital experienced significant

growth from 1933 to 1939 requiring
the expansion of 402 beds and many
employee apartments or residences.

2016

2015

2012

1984

1939

(Copyright: NCSU Libraries Special Collections Reserach Center)

The last patient is moved to the new

mental health facility in Butner, North
Carolina. Out-patient services continue
to be provided on site.
The City of Raleigh purchased Dorothea
Dix Park from the State of North Carolina
on July 24, 2015 for $52 million.

Honoring the first anniversary of the

purchase, the Destination Dix festival
kicks off the official master planning
process for Dorothea Dix Park.

DIX PARK TODAY

Park Area: 307.9 acres

Purchase Price: $52,000,000

DHHS Lease-Back Agreements: The State of NC (Department of Health and Human Services) will retain two
leased areas. They are responsible for all maintenance (site, facility, infrastructure) and security during these
time periods. West of the railroad tracks is a 25 year lease-back and east of the railroad tracks is a 10 year.
National Historic District: 1990 National Register Historic District Boundary.
Access Roads: The City and the State of NC have a 50% cost share agreement for the access roads identified
on the map. Roads and parking lots within the lease back areas are the responsibility of the State of NC.
Morehead Easement: The City and State of NC negotiated an easement along Western Blvd to facilitate future
connectivity between Dix Park and Pullen Park via a future pedestrian bridge.
Remediation Area, 5N: The soils in this area will be remediated by the City of Raleigh this fall.
Landfill Limits: The existing landfill is currently registered in the State of NCs Inactive Hazardous Sites
program for pre-regulatory landfills. Closure processes continue under the State of NC responsibilities.
CASL Lease: 3 years
NCSU Daycare Lease: 2 years
Healing Transitions Lease: 25 years with the option of two, 10-year extensions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following are common questions and answers for the public regarding the ownership and
current use of the park. You may direct any additional questions, comments or concerns to
Kate Pearce or the raleighnc.gov website.
Who owns Dorothea Dix Park?
On July 24th, 2015, the City of Raleigh purchased the 308-acre Dorothea Dix Campus
from the State of North Carolina for $52 million.
Does the State lease a large portion of the Park?
Yes, the City leases back portions of Dorothea Dix Park to the State for their administrative operations of the NC
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Nearly 2,000 DHHS employees currently work at Dix.
What is the Dix Park Conservancy?
The Dix Park Conservancy is the Citys non-profit partner supporting the planning of Dorothea Dix Park.
For more information, visit the Conservancy website: www.dixparkconservancy.org.
Can I go out there and use the park?
Yes, Dorothea Dix Park is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. However, since DHHS headquarters is also
there, we ask that visitors be respectful of employees and avoid all buildings and parking lots during business hours.
Please note, all City of Raleigh ordinances and park rules apply at Dorothea Dix Park.
Whats going on at the park?
There are a variety of upcoming programs, events and activities. Visit the Citys website to find out more!
Where can I park?
There is currently limited public parking available during business hours. After business hours there will designated
parking lots available for public use. The website listed below will have additional details as they become available.
Are their restrooms and/or concessions available at the park?
Currently there are porta johns but no concessions at the park. Please come prepared!
Can I host an event at Dorothea Dix Park?
Yes, if you are interested in hosting an event at Dorothea Dix Park please contact the Citys Special Events Office
at (919) 996-2200. There are certain fees, permitting requirements, reservation limitations, etc.,
that you will need to consider.
Whats the plan for Dorothea Dix Park?
The City of Raleigh will initiate a master planning process in 2017. There will be significant opportunities
for public involvement during the master planning process.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the Citys website: https://www.raleighnc.gov/ keyword search Dorothea Dix Park.
Who should I contact?
All questions and inquiries about Dorothea Dix Park should be directed to Kate Pearce with the
City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department at
kate.pearce@raleighnc.gov or (919) 996-4855.

City of Raleigh
Staff Contact Information
Kate Pearce, Senior Planner
kate.pearce@raleighnc.gov
(919) 996-4855
Stephen Bentley, Superintendent
stephen.bentley@raleighnc.gov
Grayson Maughan, Parks Planner
grayson.maughan@raleighnc.gov
Nicole Steele, Planning Technician
nicole.steele@raleighnc.gov

Society grows great when old men plant trees

whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
- Greek Proverb

Printed August 2016