The City of Savannah broke ground on a new Windsor Park on Savannah’s Southside.

The approximately five-acre park will be located along Woodley and Linwood roads and Juniper Circle in the Windsor Forest neighborhood.  Future amenities include a dog park, walking trail, playground and parking access areas.  

City of Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach said, “It is a beautiful day to be in the City of Savannah, and an even better day to  be in Windsor Forest as we break ground on this new park which will include an area for dogs, and a new playground for our children.  The Council, and I are committed to providing results for our citizens, and not just talk.”

Several Windsor Forest residents attended the event and expressed their excitement about seeing this project become a reality.

District Six Alderman Tony Thomas who represents the Windsor Forest neighborhood said, “It’s the greatest of days when you can come together as a community for this generation and future generations and leave your mark by creating space that people can enjoy.”

In the next few weeks the City will close Woodley Rd. north of Windsor Rd. and Linwood Rd. west of Woodley Rd. and turn those roads into cul-de-sacs to develop the neighborhood park. This move also alleviates concerns of residents about cut-through traffic in the neighborhood. The project is expected to take 8-10 months to complete. The first phase will be to create the walking trail.  The project is completely funded by voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds.

Between 1999 and 2001, the Mayor and Aldermen acquired previously flooded homes along Woodley and Linwood roads and Juniper Circle in the Windsor Forest neighborhood. The City’s use of FEMA funding to acquire the parcels precludes the construction of buildings but does permit the development of a park or greenspace.

This new park aligns with the City’s strategic plan Savannah Forward.  City Council has identified Neighborhood Revitalization as one of its top five priorities, including preserving neighborhoods and providing access to recreation.

The groundbreaking was also attended by Mayor Pro Tem Carol Bell, Alderman Brian Foster, Alderman John Hall, City Manager Rob Hernandez, and Windsor Forest Neighborhood Association President Jackie Haberman.