Daffin Park Signature Playground opening date to be announced after drainage repairs

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - City officials say they will not set an opening date for the Daffin Park Signature Playground until drainage repairs at the site are finished and it clears a final inspection.

Crews are currently installing drainage pipe at the ADA-compliant, inclusive playground, which sits in the northwest corner of Daffin Park.

Drainage problems prompted the delay

City officials said the playground’s drainage system did not perform as expected after construction, and water began pooling on the site. The city held off on opening the playground to the public, citing safety for families, visitors and guests while repairs are made.

Crews working on-site

Capital Projects crews, led by project manager Ashley Sullivan, started installing drainage pipe and regrading the site on Oct. 6. Interim Recreation & Leisure Services Director Ricky Allison’s department is overseeing the work and will confirm the park is fully functional before it reopens to the public.

Timeline for remaining work

City officials outlined the steps left before the playground can open:

• Drainage and site restoration work, weather permitting, by Oct. 19
• Termite treatment once that work wraps up, by Oct. 21
• A final field inspection by Oct. 22, after drainage and restoration are finished
• Mulch replacement and fence work by Recreation & Leisure staff, along with restroom cleaning and restocking by the Facilities department
• A declaration that the site is operational once staffing, maintenance and signage are in place and the park is confirmed safe for visitors

A ribbon-cutting will follow

Once construction wraps up and the site passes inspection, the city plans to confirm an opening date before holding a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration.

Community Services chief Ashley Reynolds Marshall said, “The city is excited to open its first signature playground at Daffin Park, a space designed for all abilities so every Savannah family may play together for years to come. We will announce an opening date in November, once the site has passed its final inspection and is ready for fun and laughter!”

City officials said another update is planned after the Oct. 22 inspection.

Background on the project

City Council approved the Recreation Reimagined initiative in 2021 to build and expand recreation facilities across Savannah. The city has since put more than $4 million toward recreation infrastructure citywide. The playground, built for children ages 2 to 12, includes a splashpad and several play zones in addition to being fully ADA-compliant.