Dix Park Installed Basketball Tree Sculpture

A new 23-foot tall art installation featuring 23 basketball hoops has arrived at Dix Park.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball

Bold vector editorial illustration of a tall tree-like metal sculpture featuring numerous orange basketball hoops, situated in a wide park.
The Dix Park Conservancy has unveiled Orange Functional, a 23-foot tall basketball hoop sculpture by artist Alexandre Arrechea, in Raleigh. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe public art installations improve the quality of parks in your area?

The Dix Park Conservancy has unveiled a new public art piece titled Orange Functional in Raleigh. This 23-foot tall sculpture is now open to the public in the park's Flowers Field.

Why it matters

The installation serves the Dix Park Conservancy's goal of making public art a core priority for the local community. It adds a new landmark near the historic Flowers Cottage.

The sculpture stands at a height of 23 feet and incorporates 23 unique basketball hoops into its design. It currently occupies the space in Flowers Field adjacent to Flowers Cottage.

The players

Alexandre Arrechea

He is the artist responsible for the design and creation of the Orange Functional sculpture.

Dix Park Conservancy

This organization acts as the primary entity responsible for the park's development and public art initiatives.

The details

Created by artist Alexandre Arrechea, the sculpture titled Orange Functional was commissioned by the Dix Park Conservancy. The design integrates numerous hoops into a tree-like structure, transforming the area into a destination for art enthusiasts and basketball fans alike.

Timeline

  1. The sculpture installation was officially announced on October 13, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This installation aligns with the park's broader development roadmap to integrate art into recreational landscapes. It shifts the competitive standing of local green spaces by providing a unique aesthetic attraction that bridges the gap between traditional sports and public art.

The addition of 23 hoops creates a new landmark in Flowers Field for local residents and visitors to explore. Guests can easily find the installation situated directly next to the Flowers Cottage.

The takeaway

Art installations like Orange Functional demonstrate how public spaces can blend recreation with design to encourage community engagement. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park to see how the sculpture interacts with its surroundings.

Further reading

For more on the local sports and recreation scene, see Basketball.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.

Live Poll

Do you believe public art installations improve the quality of parks in your area?