John Chavis Memorial Park

John Chavis Memorial Park is a 28.87-acre public park located in Southeast Raleigh, North Carolina, near Shaw University. The park, named after John Chavis, a free Black educator, Presbyterian minister, and American Revolutionary War veteran, was built in 1937 and dedicated in 1938.

Originally constructed as a "separate but equal" recreational facility during the era of segregation, John Chavis Memorial Park quickly became a popular destination for African American residents from across Eastern North Carolina. The park was designed by G. Robert Derick, a National Park Service landscape architect, who utilized rustic, natural materials to blend the park's features with its surroundings.

Over the years, the park has undergone several renovations and improvements. In 2013, the park's main attraction, a historic Allan Herschell carousel dating back to circa 1923, was moved to a climate-controlled carousel house for preservation. The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 19, 2016, recognizing its significance in African American history and landscape architecture.

John Chavis Memorial Park continues to serve as an important community gathering place and recreational facility for Raleigh residents. Recent renovations have modernized the park while preserving its historical significance, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the city's cultural landscape.