The City of Savannah today celebrated the groundbreaking of a second facility in two days during a ceremony for the expansion of Eastside Gym at the Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center (PARC). 

City officials were joined by community members, project partners, and stakeholders to commemorate the project that will enhance recreational and community programming for residents in Savannah’s District 3. The $5.5 million upgrade will add an 11,300-square-foot gymnasium west of the existing two-story facility and include unisex locker rooms, men’s and women’s restrooms, lobby, snack bar, and community spaces. 

“We continue our march toward equity across the City, ensuring that every resident, regardless of their zip code, neighborhood, or side of town, has access to high-quality City facilities and opportunities close to home,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “The residents of Savannah's Eastside will soon enjoy a state-of-the-art gymnasium that complements the state-of-the-art Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center. This investment is about more than a building; it's about keeping our promise to invest in every neighborhood, creating opportunities for our youth, strengthening our families, and ensuring that all means all.” 

The Eastside Gym project is a strategic addition to the City of Savannah's PARC facility, a two-story, 18,960-square-foot community center that opened in July 2019. 

"This isn't just a gym. It's a promise kept to the residents of District 3 and an investment in the future of East Savannah. I can't wait to see our children, families, and seniors make this space their own, " said Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan. "Our residents have consistently shared the need for a dedicated space where the community can come together. The Eastside Gym at PARC is about equity, opportunity, and investing in a neighborhood that deserves the very best. I look forward to the day our doors open and this facility is filled with the energy, laughter, and hope of our community." 

Additional parking will be constructed to support increased use of PARC. 

"The Eastside Gym at PARC represents an investment in people,” said City Manager Jay Melder. “This facility will create opportunities for recreation, wellness, mentorship, and community connection. Every neighborhood deserves access to high-quality spaces where families can gather, young people can thrive, and residents can build stronger, healthier communities. We're proud to deliver on that commitment for East Savannah." 

Construction of the Eastside Gym at PARC began in June. The facility is expected to open in 2027.