Raleigh, NC: Proposed Hammock Area in New Park

[Caminante]

With all of the discussion of where you can and can't hang a hammock, and some places outright banning them, I was excited to see the proposed master plan for Dorothea Dix Park includes a dedicated "hammock glade". This indicates to me that the city is serious about a multi-use park and is considering a diverse range of recreational use for this space, as well as in touch with hanging as a popular form of relaxation and recreation. It looks like the proposed area is in a grove of trees, so I'm not sure if they are planning to install poles or other structures, or just leave (har!) trees. I doubt camping would be explicitly allowed, but I could imagine this being a fun space for hangers to meet and try gear, exchange ideas, etc.

https://neighborland.com/dixpark/grove



Side note: The park land was part of what was once the 2,354 acres Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Hospital. Over the years, pieces of the property were parceled out for other uses like NCSU, the Farmer's Market, etc. When the State of NC decided to cut funding for psychiatric patients the hospital was closed and the remaining 350+ acres were sold to the City of Raleigh to build a park. Right now the land is mostly in its previous state, but is still getting widespread use for various events. The transformation into the master plan will be a costly multi-year venture, but a good investment and use of the land IMO.

[PappyAmos]

...., but a good investment and use of the land IMO.

A big

[Bobo1234]

Whoop Whoop! This will be awesome if it comes true!

[gunner76]

Any time a new park is created, it is a win.

[Caminante]

Agreed. I'm very happy that they're embracing a bold plan for that space (that's just one of six sections in the proposed master plan!) - you don't hear too many people saying Central, Piedmont, or Golden Gate Park were bad ideas. And Raleigh will likely never see such an opportunity for public space with its city limits ever again. My family has already enjoyed the park in its current, undeveloped state, on the open fields and at the sunflower festival.

[Shug]

Land-'o-Lollygag!
Whooooo Buddy.
Great to see this.
Shug

[Gqgeek81]

Now will they add permanent posts with fixed anchor points or do they mean a stand of trees?

If its a stand of trees, I hope they add an information kiosk which instructions on how to properly use tree straps. That would be a great way to educate the public, but I imagine we'll see plenty of rope used too.