The River Cane Wetland Park Master Plan developed over a 10-month planning process from 2023 to 2024.. WithersRavenel lead an extensive collaboration with the City of Raleigh and the surrounding community. The plan, formally adopted in August 2024, emphasizes connectivity, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Its defining feature is a boomerang-shaped boardwalk that stretches over Beaverdam Creek. The boardwalk provides a safe and scenic link between neighborhoods on the north and south sides of the park property.
Beyond the boardwalk, the design calls for a range of recreational and natural amenities. These include a picnic shelter, restrooms, nature and traditional play spaces, a half basketball court, and paved greenway trails. The project also integrates sustainability measures such as:
- A pollinator meadow
- A food forest within the nature trail
- Green stormwater infrastructure adjacent to parking and recreation areas
The City has set a budget of $8.94 million for the park’s development. This budget includes design, permits, construction, and community features.
WithersRavenel’s role in the project extends across all stages of delivery. Additionally, the firm provided due diligence, surveying, geotechnical exploration, permitting, preparation of construction documents, bidding assistance. WithersRavenel continues to support the project through construction administration and closeout.
The park is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.
