Savannah splash pads, cooling centers open as temperatures summer heat rolls in

by Julianne Sheehan

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - As summer heat settles in, the city of Savannah is offering cooling centers along with free outdoor water play areas and pools to help residents and tourists stay safe.

From splash pads and pools to cooling centers, city officials are making sure people can enjoy the season safely. The City of Savannah said Monday that a cooling center will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Grant Center Gym at 1310 Richards St.

Splash pads open across the city

Splash pads, including the one at Forsyth Park, are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hull Park, at 55th and Atlantic Avenue, also offers a variety of ways for families to cool off. The splash pad there drew a clear crowd favorite — the bucket.

Victory Heights Park – E. 41st St.
Avondale Park – 2117 Alabama Ave.
Ben Van Clark Park – 1202 E. Park Ave.
Hudson Hill Community Center – 202 W. Lathrop Ave.
Tompkins Community Center – 2333 Ogeechee Rd.
Tatemville Community Center – 333 Coleman St.
Hull Park – 55th Atlantic Ave.
Forest Hills Park – 4901 Skidaway Rd.
Crusader Community Center – 81 Coffee Bluff Villa Rd.
Forsyth Park - 1 W. Gaston St.

Splash pad areas will remain open through October.

Pools open in Savannah

Pools will be open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission, providing an afternoon activity for all ages.

Bowles Ford – 1900 Stiles Ave.
WW Law – 900 E. Bolton
Daffin – 1301 E Victory Dr.
Jenkins Pool – 1800 E. DeRenne Ave.
Tompkins Center – 2333 Ogeechee Rd.

Organizations partnering with City of Savannah

A number of local facilities are also partnering with Savannah to provide resources and space for those looking to get out of the heat.

Union Mission (120 Fahm St.) 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Come As You Are (1901 Pennsylvania Ave.) 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army (3100 Montgomery St.) 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) outreach team will also be available for assistance from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

What families are saying

Children at the splash pad said the free spaces make the most of the season.

“It actually makes summer better than what it usually is,” one child said.

“It is very refreshing,” another said.

Kaleigh Henderson, a splash pad visitor, said the free aquatic spaces offer an accessible way to spend hot days.

“Get some energy out, and they love being in the water, hanging out, so the park right next to this has made it very convenient,” Henderson said.

Henderson said her family also came prepared for the heat.

“We brought the fans for the littles, lots of sunscreen, we are going to keep bathing suits with us at all times just in case we need to stop by or something,” she said. “We have towels in the car, again, sunscreen, water bottles at all points, and when it gets too hot we’ll run into air conditioning somewhere.”