Overnight, unarmed security is coming to Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park in Raleigh following a city council vote on Tuesday.
The play plaza is considered to be the Southeast's largest adventure playground and has seen more than 420,000 visitors in the first two months opening in early June, according to Raleigh officials.
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Council members unanimously approved a contract with Rhino Sports & Entertainment, LLC for supplemental security at Gipson during the overnight hours and special events.
The three-year contract is expected to cost $795,000, according to city documents.
"Because of the walls and the structures and the sight lines, standard vehicle patrol, like RPD does at other parks doesn't quite work here," said Adam Forman, Assistant Director of Raleigh Parks. "Having security guards who are just walking around the grounds during the evenings has kept the space protected."
On a cloudy weekday, parent Kofi Osei Tutu noticed the crowds and potential blind spots for those watching children at the play plaza.
"This place is so big...I think keeping that extra security just in case that does, and it possibly could happen," said Osei Tutu.
City staff say Raleigh police patrol Gipson Play Plaza during the day and overnight patrols are needed to keep the park safe.
"I think it's really important, with that many new people and children especially that we do have enough eyes and ears on the ground," said At-Large council member Jonathan Lambert-Melton.
Council members on Tuesday also approved contracts for continued private security use with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance for parking safety ambassador services at city-owned decks and lots downtown and with Forza Security, Inc. to provide armed and unarmed patrols at Moore Square Park.
It's a move that city officials say, combined with efforts from Raleigh police, has resulted in a 42% reduction of violent crime in the downtown business core from 2023 to 2024.
Council members said the reason for hiring several private security firms is because the Raleigh Police Department does not have the staffing to be in certain areas consistently.