John Chavis Memorial Park, nestled on the eastern edge of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, is a striking example of historical reverence, community collaboration, and innovative landscape design creating a space that bridges past and future. Spanning 28 acres, the park has been a cultural and recreational landmark since its inception in 1937. Named after John Chavis - a Revolutionary War veteran, minister, and educator - it became a vital sanctuary for African Americans during the Jim Crow era, offering a safe, inclusive space for recreation and gathering. Over the decades, the park's historical significance solidified its place in the hearts of the community.

In 2012, the park's transformation began with the development of a master plan centered on the theme "Honor Our Past, Plan for the Future." This vision guided the park's revitalization and laid the groundwork for its continued importance as a cultural and recreational hub.

 

Design Rooted in Community
The design process centered on extensive community input to ensure that the park's updates aligned with local values and aspirations. At the heart of Phase 1 was the new Community Center and Gym, a long-anticipated addition that serves as a hub for recreation, cultural activities, and gatherings. This building is seamlessly integrated into the park through the Central Plaza. The plaza serves as a vibrant focal point, accommodating a variety of activities, including concerts, festivals, water play, and food truck events. Stadium seating provides flexible space for both large and small gatherings, reinforcing the park's role as a dynamic community destination.

Balancing History and Innovation
A critical feature of the project is the Play Corridor, which connects the renovated Old Carousel Building to the new Community Center. The Play Corridor emphasizes inclusivity with features like a vibrant splash play zone and an expansive playground designed for users of all ages and abilities. Natural play elements include stepping longs, reclaimed boulders, and balance elements. The climbing elements were custom-designed in response to workshops held with children enrolled in on-site after-school programs.

Recreation and Reflection
The revitalized park offers a balanced mix of active and passive spaces, ensuring it serves as both a destination for recreation and a place for quiet reflection. The Play Corridor and splash zone, with its 50 jets, circular paver design made of recycled content, and customizable lighting, cater to families and children. North Carolina's favorable weather allows the splash pad to be used day and night all year long. For special events, the splash pad is converted into a public plaza providing overflow seating and a food truck staging area. Adjacent shaded seating areas and meandering pathways provide opportunities for relaxation and connection to nature.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability played a key role in the park's redesign. The project incorporates native and adaptive plantings, conveyance swales, and underwater structural cells to manage stormwater effectively. The play areas include thermally modified wood benches, highly reflective pavement, and native plant materials. The Central Plaza features a stormwater system that collects runoff from the plaza and the Community Center's roof, showcasing the city's commitment to environmentally responsible urban development. These measures not only enhance the park's resilience but also align with Raleigh's broader sustainability goals.

A Living Legacy
The completion of Phase 1 represents a major milestone in the park's transformation. With its historical roots preserved and its future secured through innovative design, John Chavis Memorial Park continues to inspire and unite the Raleigh community. As Raleigh grows and evolves, the park will remain a vital aspect of its cultural and recreational landscape, embodying the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and community connection. The project has received awards from the North Carolina ASLA Chapter (2024), the City of Raleigh (2022), and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (2021).

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2025.