In Raleigh, North Carolina, a project decades in the makingthat promises an 84-acre riverfront park replete with hiking, kayaking, and other water-based recreational optionshit a major milestone earlier this month, when it was approved by Raleigh City Council. Design Workshops Raleigh office drew up the Neuse River Park Master Plan after an $11.4 million bond was approved by Raleigh City Council last year to finance design and construction.Elizabeth Gardner, a local meteorologist and avid kayaker, was a key driver behind the river park. Gardner has been advocating for the project for more than two decades, along with many other Raleigh residents.Neuse River Park will have bike paths, play areas, and more. (Design Workshop)This park is uniquely positioned to become a key recreational destination, Design Workshop said, serving as the northern trailhead for the Neuse River Greenway and Blueway systems. With its combination of open spaces, forests, and direct river access, the park will cater to a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.Play Area at Neuse River Park (Design Workshop)Neuse River Park expands upon existing waterfront facilities built for river access, frequently used by paddlers and anglers. The new plan makes way for trails for hiking and biking and new opportunities for wildlife viewing. The vision for Neuse River, ideated by Design Workshop with community input, will feature stepped riverfront reinforcement that doubles as seating which juts into the water. It will also have restrooms, accessible trails, a social lawn and pavilion, a pump track for cyclists, an arrival plaza, play areas, a pollinator meadow, and more. A major thoroughfare, Falls of Neuse Road, divides the future park. To reconcile that, Design Workshop ideated a major point of connection underneath the elevated roadway.The park will be divided into northern and southern sections, connected by a walkway underneath a major thoroughfare. (Design Workshop)The series of river overlooks and gathering spaces along the Neuse River provide vantage points for visitors to enjoy scenic views and connect with nature, Design Workshop said. These overlooks feature seating areas, informational displays, and shaded spots, inviting both quiet reflection and social interaction. Residents will soon be able to enjoy white water rafting. (Design Workshop)The landscape architects continued: Designed to enhance public access, the spaces include gentle pathways and riverbank terraces, allowing for closer interaction with the water. The design encourages community engagement with the Neuse and its history, educational opportunities, and a deeper appreciation of the rivers natural beauty.Neuse River Park is slated for completion in 2028 with construction starting in 2026.