John Chavis Memorial Park

Start with the on-site parking areas at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The approved park plan shows north and south parking areas with 166 total spaces and accessible spaces serving the community center and playground. Parking will be reconfigured during the aquatic-center project scheduled through 2029, so follow current construction signs and verify access before a major event.

Use 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard for the community center, indoor restrooms, carousel tickets, and the main family amenities. The approved site plan also labels north and south playground entrances. Because aquatic-center construction will reconfigure parts of the site and parking, follow current signs rather than relying on an older internal route.

Reliable public restrooms are inside the community center at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard during center hours. The center includes a family restroom with a baby-changing table, and the locker rooms have accessible showers, restrooms, lockers, and baby-changing tables. Splash-pad visitors must dry off and change into dry clothing before entering.

The approved plan includes accessible parking serving the community center. Inside, accessible showers and restrooms are available. The main playground uses rubber safety surfacing, while natural-play areas use mulch. For a program modification or route-specific help, Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services is available at 919-996-2147.

A new aquatic center and Heritage Plaza improvements are planned through 2029, and the project will reconfigure park parking. Carousel hours vary by season and it may close early during inclement weather; the splash pad is also disabled during inclement weather. Check the City park page before relying on a specific feature or internal driving route.

GoRaleigh Route 19 runs along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The City lists a Route 19 stop directly in front of the Top Greene Cultural Center at 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., approximately one block west of John Chavis Memorial Park.

Yes. The free splash pad is scheduled daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., weather permitting. There is no lifeguard, children must be supervised, and children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers. No pets, food, drinks, or glass are allowed in the water-feature area.

The park's family draw centers on the playground, splash pad, track, and carousel, so it works well for active visits where children want a mix of play structures and open movement.

The community center is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m. The splash pad is scheduled daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. but stops for inclement weather. The carousel is closed Monday, runs Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 2-6 p.m.; seasonal or weather changes can shorten carousel service.

General park entry, playground, splash pad, track, outdoor exhibit, picnic shelters, and open recreation areas are free. Carousel rides cost $2 for riders age one and older; children 12 months and younger ride free with a paying adult. Classes, room rentals, organized field use, and private events can have separate fees.