Chavis-Dix Strollway

The Chavis-Dix Strollway builds on the planning and design of the South Park Heritage Trail (SPHT) to create a second opportunity to celebrate Raleigh’s cultural history while creating an engaging and walkable corridor. Both the SPHT and the Strollway received $1.5 million in federal funding each, while the SPHT received an additional $3 million in funding from the 2022 Parks Bond.

City Council previously approved the original contract with Design Workshop, Inc. to complete the concept design phase for the South Park Heritage Trail, as well as Amendment No. 1. This amendment covered the remaining work from schematic design through construction administration to complete the SPHT project. It also included environmental assessment services for both the SPHT and the Chavis-Dix Strollway – Fourth Ward.

On January 6, 2026, the City Council authorized the City Manager to amend the contract with Design Workshop, Inc. to allow the design firm to provide similar services for the Strollway. The scope of work includes a concept plan for the full project area, followed by schematic design and implementation services for a pilot section of the Strollway. Citizen and stakeholder engagement will occur throughout the process, which aims to deliver a completed Concept Plan by August of this year, followed by a longer implementation period that includes design, bidding, and construction.

Project Details

Type:: Greenways and Trails
Project Lead:: Christopher Stebbins

Contact

Christopher Stebbins
Senior Urban Designer
Planning and Development
christopher.stebbins@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2655

Kelly Ham
Parks Construction Projects Administrator
Engineering Services
Construction Management - Parks Division
kelly.ham@raleighnc.gov
919-996-5587

Lead Department:: Planning and Development Engineering Services

Participating Department:: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Transportation

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What is the Strollway?

The Chavis-Dix Strollway is a “cultural trail” located along the southern edge of downtown Raleigh. It is designed to connect Raleigh’s rich cultural heritage with the broader community. Along the route, interpretive signs will share the area’s history, while artistic features will honor and expand on those stories. The vision for the Strollway aligns with the South Park Heritage Trail and can be seen as an extension of that work.

The 1.32-mile route connects two important City of Raleigh parks: John Chavis Memorial Park to the east and Dorothea Dix Park to the west. The route was selected for its potential to enhance the connection between these parks and its proximity to historically significant neighborhoods, including the Historic Fourth Ward.

Due to limited funding for a full build-out, construction of the Strollway will take place in phases as additional funds become available. In 2026, a full concept for the entire cultural trail will be developed, and a small section will be built to showcase the Strollway’s overall vision and potential.

Strollway Background

Strollway Vision and the Dix Park Master Plan

The vision for the Chavis-Dix Strollway evolved from the 2020 Dix Park Master Plan. The City of Raleigh is making major investments in both the historic John Chavis Memorial Park and the new Dorothea Dix Park. These important landscapes reflect the City’s commitment to creating equitable public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Goal of the Strollway

The goal of the Chavis-Dix Strollway is to celebrate Raleigh’s rich cultural history while connecting communities on the southeast and southwest sides of the city. The Strollway will provide a safe, walkable, pedestrian-focused cultural trail linking downtown Raleigh to two historic parks while energizing the area through placemaking, interpretive signage, partnerships, and community engagement.

Community Benefit

The Strollway will serve both Raleigh residents and visitors. By connecting two of Raleigh’s largest parks to downtown, the project will improve access to these spaces and help close a gap in the City’s greenway network. Like the South Park Heritage Trail, the community views this cultural trail as a priority because it connects many places that are important to Raleigh’s history and cultural growth.

The Strollway will particularly highlight the history of the Historic Fourth Ward neighborhood and, through its connection to the proposed South Park Heritage Trail, will also support and celebrate the South Park historic neighborhood.

The proposed cultural trail will connect downtown Raleigh to key destinations and resources along the route, including:

Historic neighborhoods
Shaw University, one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Raleigh
The vibrant downtown core
Black-owned businesses
The Raleigh Convention Center
The Red Hat Amphitheatre
Affordable housing resources, including Heritage Park, are currently being redesigned by the Raleigh Housing Authority
Emerging retail hubs
Areas of new development

Past Community Engagement

Initial Public engagement for the Strollway began in 2021 and will continue through future phases of the project.

October 2021: Community members participated in the “Stroll in the Streets” event to explore ideas and possibilities for the Strollway.
September 15–17, 2022: The City hosted two public input sessions to gather feedback on route options for the Chavis-Dix Strollway.
October 2022: Information about the Strollway was shared at several pop-up events during Community Planning Month.
April 2024: The Saturday on South Block Party brought together City departments to share information on the Strollway, South Park Heritage Trail, Downtown Mobility Study, and Red Hat Expansion.
September 10, 2024: A public outreach event was held at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, with dedicated spaces for the Strollway, Red Hat Expansion, and Downtown Mobility Study.

Funding

In 2022, the City of Raleigh received $3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through a Community Project award. This funding supports two urban heritage trail projects: the South Park Heritage Trail and the Chavis-Dix Strollway–Fourth Ward.

The funding was secured through the advocacy of North Carolina Congresswoman Deborah Ross. Implementation of community-identified priorities will be limited to what can be achieved with the current funding. At this time, $1.5 million is available for the Strollway. As a result, the full build-out of the project is expected to occur over time as additional funds are secured. This phase will include a concept design for a pedestrian-focused cultural trail. A portion of the concept design will then move forward into schematic design and construction. The preliminary design is expected to be presented to the City Council for approval.

Additional funding opportunities may be explored in the future to support other desired placemaking elements along the Strollway.