Google Grants $100,000 to Dix Park Conservancy to Create Wi-Fi Enabled Benches
(Raleigh, NC) - November 1, 2023 - The Dix Park Conservancy, the nonprofit philanthropic partner of the City of Raleigh, is thrilled to announce that it has received a generous grant of $100,000 from Google to create and install Wi-Fi-enabled benches at the 308-acre public space. This initiative is set to promote park equity, inclusivity, and immersive park engagement experiences for the diverse community of visitors and residents.
Dix Park, a cherished oasis in the heart of Raleigh, sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Recognizing the park's growing importance to the Triangle region and beyond, Dix Park Conservancy has been working tirelessly to enhance the park's offerings and accessibility.
The impact of the Wi-Fi benches at Dix Park promises to be transformative. These benches will provide visitors with free digital connectivity, unlocking a world of educational and recreational opportunities.
"We are immensely grateful to Google for their generous grant,” says Janet Cowell, CEO of Dix Park Conservancy. “The Wi-Fi benches will allow visitors to more fully engage with the park’s many attractions, learn about its history and discover how to be part of our future development. It aligns perfectly with our mission to create a transformative public space that enriches the quality of life for everyone in our community."
Crucially, free Wi-Fi connectivity will promote social equity by offering an essential digital service to those who may not have access otherwise. While many people have mobile devices capable of connecting to Wi-Fi, not everyone has a mobile data plan that allows them to stay connected while out and about. The strategic placement of Wi-Fi benches throughout Dix Park will enable digital educational programs and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. Furthermore, these benches will provide valuable attendance and usage data, which will inform future program planning and the placement of Wi-Fi services.
"Google is proud to support the Dix Park Conservancy in this endeavor,” says Lilyn Hester, head of external affairs - Southeast, Google. “We believe that access to technology should be universal and that public spaces like Dix Park should be inclusive and welcoming to all. These Wi-Fi benches will empower park-goers to connect, learn, and explore, enhancing their overall experience."
With Google's grant support, Dix Park Conservancy aims to install six Wi-Fi benches at existing park amenities, including the Dix Park Dog Park and the Oak and Magnolia Rooms. The benches will serve as beacons of the park's bold and ambitious vision for the future.
In partnership with the City of Raleigh, Dix Park Conservancy will collaborate with vendors, including Aerolina Wireless Internet Services, to offer creative design options, installation, and maintenance services. Bench placement and activation will be coordinated with the City, with an anticipated installation completion date by early 2024.
The introduction of Wi-Fi-enabled benches at Dix Park marks a significant step forward in the park's journey to become an inclusive and technology-enhanced space for all to enjoy.
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About Dix Park Conservancy
The Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support the City in its efforts, serve as its philanthropic and community engagement partner, and ensure the creation and long-term success of Dorothea Dix Park as a place for everyone – a transformative public space for community, health, and celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North Carolina.
About Dorothea Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park (Dix Park) is the site of one of the most exciting new park projects in America. This 308-acre site blends historic architecture and rich landscapes into a unique destination in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. The effort to create Dix Park is a public-private partnership between the City of Raleigh and Dix Park Conservancy. The City owns and operates Dix Park with day-to-day planning, programming and operations of the park conducted by the Raleigh Parks team. The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support the City to ensure the creation and long-term success of the park. Learn more at dixpark.org.