Forsyth Park fountain set to make long-awaited return to Savannah next week

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - After a summer without one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks, the Forsyth Park fountain is finally on its way home.

The beloved centerpiece will return Monday, marking the first time in more than 100 years that the park has gone without it.

Residents say the absence of the fountain has been deeply felt.

“Not having the fountain here has been eerily quiet,” said Savannah resident Allison Smith. “I’m really excited to see the work they’ve done on it. It’s an icon, she’s a legend—we love her.”

Fellow park-goer Nan Lichty agreed, saying the fountain’s presence brings a unique energy.

“We walk through the park two or three times a day, and there’s a certain energy here when the fountain is running,” Lichty said.

The $650,000 project marks the fountain’s first full restoration since 1988.

The city disassembled the structure and sent it to Alabama for the extensive work. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson announced that he plans to personally welcome the fountain back on September 15.

“September the 15th, I’m going to be there to receive our iconic Forsyth Park fountain as it ends its trek 300 miles back home,” Johnson said.

Construction crews began removing the fountain in June. Since then, weddings and daily park visits have lacked the familiar backdrop of cascading water.

“It’s September, there’s a lot of wedding activity in the park and I’m sure a lot of those people will be really happy to see the fountain back for their wedding photos,” Lichty said.

While the fountain itself will return next week, the restoration work isn’t fully complete.

Mayor Johnson noted that the finishing touches will take another six to seven weeks.

For now, Savannah residents are counting down the days until their historic fountain is back where it belongs—at the heart of Forsyth Park