Why did the hospital close?

Back in 2000, the hospital was at risk for losing federal funding due to scrutiny surrounding staffing shortages and facility safety concerns. In April of 2000, a report from the Public Consulting Group recommended the closure of Dix Hospital. Some mental health advocates and state officials protested and urged for renovation of the current facilities. At the same time, stemming from a nationwide movement that began during the Civil Rights Movement, there was a push from mental healthcare advocates to deinstitutionalize and privatize mental health services, a move away from large state institutions like Dix Hospital. The state did create a new mental health facility in Butner, Central Regional Hospital, that serves patients from all 100 counties, and Healing Transitions remains on the Dix campus today.

Who closed Dix Hospital?

The hospital and the land of Dix Hill were owned by the State of North Carolina. In 2003, the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services Legislative Oversight Committee of the NC General Assembly recommended the closure of Dix Hospital. The Council of State - comprised of then Governor Beverley Perdue and other elected officials, including Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Labor, and Commissioner of Insurance - voted in April 2012 to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to close Dix Hospital. The City of Raleigh and Dix Park Conservancy were not involved in those early discussions and decisions, and the hospital closure predates the founding of the park as we know it today.

Who was Dorothea Dix and is she one of North Carolina’s own?

Born in Maine, Dorothea Dix was a New England native who was a fierce champion for mental health reform on a national and even international scale. It’s been said she lived in Raleigh and deeded the land to the state to serve as a mental hospital, but that’s not true. In fact, she only visited Raleigh a couple times and never made it her home. Thanks to her tireless advocacy, she did help establish mental hospitals in over 32 institutions in the United States and Canada. There are other spots that commemorate Dorothea Dix as well, including the Dix Ward in McLean Asylum at Somerville, Massachusetts, Dixmont Hospital in Pennsylvania, the Dorothea L. Dix House, and The Bangor Mental Health Institute was renamed in August 2006 to the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center.

What’s planned for the land now?

Three years after the state closed Dix Hospital, on a hot July day (the 24th to be exact), the City of Raleigh purchased the 308-acre Dorothea Dix Hospital campus from the State of North Carolina. The City of Raleigh and Dix Park Conservancy are working together to create a world class destination park for the community. Think other-worldly play areas, lush landscapes, meandering paths, wide open green spaces, public art, and more. Parks have traditionally been places of respite, especially these last several months. Parks encourage physical activity for all ages, prevent obesity, reduce the incidence of chronic conditions, and provide a space for reflection and healing. Access to green space reduces stress levels, decreases negative moods, reduces feelings of depression, and enhances our mental health and wellbeing. All in all, the transformation of the Dix Hospital campus into a park complements Dorothea Dix’s philosophy.

How did Dix Park Conservancy get started?

When the news hit that the state would be closing Dix Hospital, grassroots advocates from Friends of Dorothea Dix Park, Dix 306, and Dix Park Visionaries galvanized to protect the lush, open space to become a signature public park in the heart of the city, a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These residents shared a long-term vision to see the value of green space for the community. The groups joined forces to create what is now the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Dix Park Conservancy. The persistence and patience of these grassroots organizers and visionaries have paid off as the conservancy now supports the City of Raleigh as its philanthropic, community engagement, and advocacy partner to ensure the creation and long-term success of Dix Park as a place for everyone – a transformative public space for community, health, and celebration that will enrich quality of life in North Carolina.

Where can I learn more?

Check out Dix Park Conservancy’s website, where you can follow along with the goings on at the park and see how these 308 acres will transform over the coming years.