Savannah council reviews $1.1 million ‘signature’ inclusive playground for Daffin Park

City recreation officials presented detailed plans for a new ‘‘signature playground’’ at Daffin Park during the Nov. 26 Savannah City Council workshop, describing the project as a model for inclusive play across the city.

Chief Taffney Young told council the playground is intended to be ‘‘inclusive’’ and serve as a regional demonstration site. ‘‘It’s my hope that when we are able to cut the ribbon for this park next year that it will bring the community back out and we’ll have a place where we’re socializing,’’ Young said.

What’s proposed The playground concept—being presented as part of the Recreation Reimagined initiative—would sit in the northwest corner of Daffin Park near Waters Avenue and include six play areas: a swings-and-things zone, a shaded story-time area, a fully ADA-accessible mega zone with poured-in-place surfacing and a 12-foot accessible tower, a bump-and-jump area for ages 2–5, a twist-and-turn climbing zone, and a slide-and-glide zone that includes dual zip lines (the first in the city). Staff said the site would include a splash pad, picnic seating, fully fenced and gated access, and public restrooms designed with adult changing tables to assist caretakers of children who are wheelchair bound.

Mr. Roberts, the senior director presenting equipment details, said the chosen play components come from Game Time and that PlayCore (Game Time’s parent) recognizes demonstration sites that meet inclusive-play standards. Roberts told council the item for playground equipment and surfacing is on the afternoon agenda as a contract item and that additional agenda items will follow to fund fencing, restrooms and other site work not included in the equipment contract.

Timing, cost and warranties Staff identified the project cost at about $1,100,000 for the primary equipment and surfacing components and said the construction work is expected to take about nine months with an opening targeted for next fall. Mr. Roberts said the vendor equipment carries a 10-year equipment warranty and the contract includes a two-year labor warranty; poured-in-place surfacing life was described as roughly eight years depending on traffic and maintenance.

Council questions and equity Council members asked about fencing and safety near the park’s lake, restroom scale and adult changing tables, seating, surfacing materials and how the design might be adapted for other city parks, including Forsyth Park, West Savannah and Highlands. Staff said Daffin Park’s size and location make it suitable as a first-signature site and that they intend to use it as a model for future investments funded through the FY25 capital program.

Next steps Staff said a construction contract for playground equipment (item 1.1 on the afternoon agenda) was on the council’s consent/contract docket and that site-related items for fencing and restrooms will be brought forward as additional agenda items.