Forsyth Park to receive major security boost with $200,000 camera investment

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - New security cameras are coming to Forsyth Park. The Savannah College of Arts and Design is collaborating with the city and its police force to increase security across more than 30 acres that the park covers.

For years, conversations about Forsyth Park centered on its beauty or the farmer’s market that draws crowds to its grounds. But that narrative shifted dramatically after December 10th, when an acid attack left a victim with second and third-degree burns.

Now, residents and city officials are focused on one thing: public safety.

The incident sparked action. The SCAD SERVE program is donating $200,000 to provide the Savannah Police Department with 10 additional cameras for the park. While this donation was already in the works before the attack, the tragic event has brought safety concerns to the forefront.

“We understand what took place with the tragic event that occurred right here in this park,” Police Chief Lenny Gunther acknowledged in an interview.

“[These cameras are] going to put eyes in areas we don’t have now, it’s going to help us be more proactive when it comes to monitoring, if something does occur in the park for us to gather that footage and see it in real time, so it’s a great opportunity.”

Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther

Police Chief Gunther emphasized the dual purpose of the cameras.

“Individuals that might be thinking about doing something criminal or breaking the law, think twice about it, because there’s a good percentage you’ll be caught,” he said.

Beyond deterrence, the cameras will also aid investigations. Gunther explained that crimes in the park—like the acid attack—will have quicker and easier investigations with better surveillance footage.

When asked about the ongoing investigation into the December attack, he confirmed progress. “I can say that it’s not a cold case. It’s a priority for us, I know it’s a priority for the community.”

This isn’t the first time SCAD SERVE has invested in community security. The partnership between the university and Savannah Police has strengthened over time, with the program identifying ways the university can improve life for residents in Savannah and Atlanta.

“SCAD SERVE’s mission is to identify resources that the university has and bring them to bear to improve the lives of citizens in our hometowns,” said Scott Linzey, Vice President for SCAD SERVE.

Last year, the program donated $1 million to the city for downtown security measures, a commitment that benefits both residents and students.

City Manager Jay Melder signed off on the donation, trusting that the police department would use the funds effectively.

“I think being able to add new technology in Forsyth Park that’ll help SPD keep the park safe like other parks in our city is going to be a really key investment,” Melder said.

Police have already conducted a walkthrough of the park to identify ideal camera locations.

Beyond the cameras, Melder also shared news of a new precinct being established in northwest Savannah, which will house a “real time public safety center” designed to provide police with additional resources during investigations.

Some Savannah residents have expressed concerns about the new cameras, worried about privacy implications.

However, the Savannah Police Department has been clear, these cameras are intended for public safety purposes, not for constant monitoring or surveillance of the park’s visitors.