7 Secrets Of The New Forsyth Park Playground: Why Savannah’s Favorite Spot Just Got A Major 2025 Upgrade
Planning a trip to Savannah's iconic Forsyth Park? You need to know the latest information, as the park’s most popular family destination—the playground—has undergone a significant, recent upgrade. As of December 2025, the beloved play area is fully operational and better than ever, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for children of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens.
The city's commitment to maintaining this historic landmark is evident in the fresh look and feel of the play area. The recent work focused on critical safety and accessibility features, while a much larger, multi-million-dollar future renovation is already mapped out in the official Master Plan, promising a revolutionary new play space and splash pad for the south end of the park.
The 2025 Playground Upgrade: What’s New and Reopened
The Forsyth Park playground, situated in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, is a crucial amenity for both local families and tourists. Its central location, just a short walk from the famous Forsyth Park Fountain, makes it a must-visit. The most significant recent update addresses the foundation of the play area itself.
A Safer Surface for All Ages
The number one update for the playground is the complete replacement and upgrade of the surface. The area officially reopened on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, following the completion of this essential maintenance.
- New Rubberized Surface: The old surface material was replaced with a modern, high-quality rubberized matting. This material is superior for safety, providing a softer landing and significantly reducing the risk of injury from falls.
- Enhanced ADA Accessibility: The smooth, rubberized surface ensures the playground is fully ADA accessible, making it wheelchair and walker friendly. This commitment to accessibility means children of all physical abilities can enjoy the space.
Current Playground Features and Equipment
While the surface is new, the core play structures remain a massive draw. The playground is designed to accommodate a large crowd, with a capacity to support up to 300 children at any given time.
- Dual Play Zones: The area is naturally divided, offering separate zones for younger children (toddlers and preschoolers) and a more challenging area for older kids.
- Challenging Structures: The "big kids" area features climbing towers, complex slides, and structures that encourage active, imaginative play and support the development of motor skills.
- Safety Fencing: For parental peace of mind, the entire playground area is mostly fenced in, providing a secure boundary away from the main park pathways and surrounding streets like Park Avenue, Gaston Street, and Drayton Street.
The Future of Play: Forsyth Park Master Plan and South-End Splash Pad
The recent surface upgrade is just the beginning. The City of Savannah, in collaboration with philanthropic organizations like the Friends of Forsyth, is moving forward with an ambitious Master Plan for the entire 30-acre park. This plan, completed in 2022 by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, includes a major overhaul of the park's recreational offerings.
The New Playground and Splash Pad Location
The current Master Plan calls for the removal of the western "big kids'" playground and the creation of a brand-new, state-of-the-art play area on the south end of the park. This is a significant relocation and expansion.
- Strategic Positioning: The proposed new playground will be strategically positioned approximately 140 feet from Park Avenue.
- Integrated Splash Pad: The new design will incorporate a dedicated splash pad area, which is a major upgrade from the current spray pool. This new water feature will be a massive draw during Savannah’s hot summer months.
- New Restroom Facilities: Crucially, the plan includes the construction of new, modern restroom facilities adjacent to the new playground. This addresses a long-standing need for families visiting the area.
Why the Master Plan is a Game Changer
The Master Plan is not just about a new playground; it’s about revitalizing the entire park infrastructure while respecting its historical significance. Forsyth Park, originally set aside in the 1840s and named for former Georgia Governor John Forsyth, is a National Historic Landmark in the making.
The proposed changes aim for a "lighter touch" restoration, preserving the park's iconic landscape architecture while adding modern amenities. Other planned improvements include new bike lanes along the perimeter, updated lighting, and enhanced gathering spaces, ensuring the park remains a premier example of 19th-century urban planning.
Practical Guide: Visiting the Forsyth Park Playground and Spray Pool
While the city works on the future Master Plan, the current, upgraded playground remains fully open and is the best place for family fun in downtown Savannah. Here is everything you need to know for your visit.
Spray Pool (Splash Pad) Hours and Season
The popular spray pool is a seasonal attraction and operates during the warmer months. While official 2026 hours will be updated by the City of Savannah, the typical season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Typical Operating Hours: The splash area is generally open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- What to Bring: Since the spray pool is not a traditional swimming pool, children should wear appropriate swimwear and water shoes. Sunscreen is essential, as the playground area can get direct sun exposure.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking near Forsyth Park can be challenging, especially during peak tourist season or weekend events like the famous Forsyth Farmers Market.
- Street Parking: Limited metered street parking is available on the surrounding streets, including Whitaker Street and Gaston Street. Pay attention to all parking signs to avoid tickets.
- ADA Access: The park's walking trails and the playground itself are ADA compliant, making access easy for strollers and wheelchairs.
The Savannah Playground Experience: More Than Just Slides
The Forsyth Park playground is a vital community hub, supported by local groups like the Rotary Club of Savannah and the Trustee's Garden Club, which helped fund the initial Master Plan.
It acts as a central meeting point for parents and a place where Savannah’s rich history meets its vibrant, modern family life. The constant updates and the massive future investment outlined in the Master Plan solidify its status as the premier public play space in the city. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the upgraded Forsyth Park playground offers a safe, accessible, and exciting environment that will only get better in the years to come.
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