Summer in Raleigh is brutal. Honestly, the humidity alone is enough to make you want to stay inside until October. But if you’ve got kids, staying inside isn't really an option unless you want your living room turned into a wrestling ring. That’s why the john chavis splash pad has basically become the unofficial headquarters for parents trying to survive the North Carolina heat without spending a fortune.
Most people think a splash pad is just some fancy sprinklers.
They're wrong.
The water feature at John Chavis Memorial Park is a whole different beast. It’s part of a massive $12 million Phase I renovation that completely flipped the script on what this historic space looks like. We’re talking nearly 50 programmable jets. It has colored LED lighting that looks incredible when the sun starts to dip. It’s located at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, and if you haven't been lately, you’re missing out on one of the most sophisticated public water play areas in the Triangle.
Why the john chavis splash pad is More Than Just Water
You can’t talk about the splash pad without talking about the ground it sits on. This isn't some pop-up park in a new subdivision. John Chavis Memorial Park opened back in 1937. During segregation, it was the only park in the region where Black families could go to swim, picnic, and ride the carousel. There is a deep, heavy history here that you can feel.
The designers, a firm called Surface 678, didn't just slap some plastic pipes in the dirt. They built the "Play Corridor." This is a huge stretch of the park that connects the historic 1923 Allan Herschell Carousel to the brand-new community center. The splash pad sits right in the middle of this. It’s designed to be a "plaza" when the water is off, meaning the city can host food trucks or small concerts right on top of the jets.
The Actual Specs (For the Nerds)
The water feature uses a circular paver design. It’s pretty stylish, using recycled content and highly reflective pavement to keep the ground from becoming a frying pan for little feet. While some older splash pads feel like a concrete slab, this one feels integrated. It’s surrounded by boulders and natural play elements that the designers actually customized based on workshops with local kids.
- Jet Count: Almost 50 individual sprayers.
- Lighting: Integrated LEDs for night play.
- Cost: Completely free.
- Surface: Rubber safety surfacing and reflective pavers.
Hours, Rules, and the Stuff Parents Care About
Nothing ruins a trip like showing up with a toddler in a swimsuit only to find out the water is off. Kinda heartbreaking, right?
Generally, the john chavis splash pad operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
The season usually kicks off in April and runs through October. Because it’s North Carolina, we get those random 85-degree days in late spring and early fall, so the city keeps it running longer than you’d expect. However, if there’s a hint of a thunderstorm or if it’s "inclement weather" (which is a fancy way of saying it’s too cold or nasty), the city will disable the jets remotely.
🔗 Read more: Las Terrenas Resorts All Inclusive: Why This Beach Town Doesn't Work Like Punta Cana
The Unspoken Rules of the Pad
There’s no lifeguard. You’re the lifeguard.
If your kid isn't potty trained, they must wear a swim diaper. No exceptions. Also, the park staff is pretty strict about people drying off before they head into the community center or try to ride the carousel. You can't just drip your way onto a 100-year-old wooden horse.
Honestly, the best move is to bring a massive beach towel and a change of clothes. The bathrooms are right there in the community center, and they are surprisingly clean. There are even accessible showers if you need to rinse off the "park grime" before heading home.
The "Secret" Strategy for a Better Visit
If you go on a Saturday at 2 p.m., it’s going to be a zoo. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and you’ll be fighting for a spot in the shade.
The pro move? Go on a Tuesday morning or a Sunday evening.
Since it’s open until 9 p.m., the "sunset soak" is a real thing. The LED lights in the jets turn on, and the skyline of downtown Raleigh starts to glow in the background. It’s actually kind of peaceful, or as peaceful as a place with screaming, wet children can be.
Also, don't sleep on the rest of the park. The playground next to the splash pad has this "Skywalk" climbing feature that is legit terrifying for parents but amazing for kids. It’s tall. Like, really tall. It was designed for ages 5 to 12, but you’ll see teenagers and even some brave adults up there.
What’s Coming Next? (The $54 Million Question)
If you think the park is big now, just wait. As of 2026, the city is deep into Phase II. They are building a massive Aquatics Center with a $53.95 million budget. This isn't just a replacement for the splash pad; it’s an addition.
We’re talking:
- An indoor competition pool for year-round swimming.
- An outdoor recreation pool with a lazy river.
- A two-story waterslide.
- A vortex pool (basically a water merry-go-round).
While the john chavis splash pad will remain a free, easy-access option, the new center will likely require a small admission fee, similar to Pullen or Ridge Road pools. It’s going to turn this corner of Raleigh into a legitimate water park destination.
✨ Don't miss: Sunland Park New Mexico: The Border Town That's Way More Than Just a Casino
Common Misconceptions to Clear Up
People often confuse this park with Moore Square or Pullen Park. While Moore Square has a splash pad too, it’s much smaller and built into the sidewalk. Chavis is a destination.
Another big one: "The park is always closed for events."
Actually, while Chavis hosts big deals like the King Day celebration in January or Black History Month events in February, the splash pad usually stays open for public use unless the event takes over the entire central plaza.
Is it safe?
Yeah, totally. The park has a dedicated staff at the community center, and because it’s so popular, there are always eyes on the ground. Just watch out for "running on wet pavement." That’s the real danger here. Kids wipe out on those pavers more often than I’d like to admit.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to the john chavis splash pad this week, here is the survival kit you actually need:
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable: There is almost zero shade directly on the splash pad itself. There are some covered benches on the outskirts, but the water zone is wide open to the sun.
- Bring $2 for the Carousel: Even if you're there for the water, you can't leave without a ride on the historic carousel. It’s $2 per person (riders under 12 months are free).
- Check the Weather App: If there is a 30% chance of rain, there is a 100% chance the city might turn the water off for safety. Call 919-996-6590 if you want to be sure it’s running before you drive over.
- Park in the main lot: The lot is off MLK Blvd. If that’s full, there is street parking, but the main lot is closer to the bathrooms and the splash area.
- Pack a lunch: There are plenty of picnic tables and even some charcoal grills if you want to make a day of it. Just keep the food and glass containers away from the water jets.
The john chavis splash pad represents a weirdly beautiful bridge between Raleigh's complicated past and its high-tech future. It's a place where history is literally written into the pavement, but all the kids care about is whether or not they can time their jump to hit the "big jet" when it fires.
Go early, bring extra towels, and maybe grab a coffee from a spot downtown before you head over. You’re going to need the caffeine.