Forsyth and Daffin parks each have a 1.5-mile loop; the Truman Linear Trail now links Lake Mayer to Daffin Park. McQueen's Trail is closed. Parks: 912-351-3841.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Facts come from the City of Savannah’s Recreation and Leisure Services and Park and Tree departments and Chatham County.

Savannah’s parks run from the 30-acre Forsyth Park downtown to lake parks and neighborhood playgrounds across the city. The city’s Recreation and Leisure Services runs playgrounds, pools, fields and community centers; the Park and Tree Department cares for Forsyth Park and the downtown squares.

Who to call

  • Recreation and Leisure Services: 912-351-3841, 1301 E. Victory Drive
  • Forsyth Park questions: park_and_tree@savannahga.gov
  • Tennis reservations: Bacon Park Tennis Center, 912-351-3850
  • Pools: Aquatics Office, 912-351-3844
  • Reserve a park or square: city reservations page

Walking loops

From the city’s walking trails and bike paths page:

Park Loop Notes
Forsyth Park 1.5 miles 30 acres; paved, lighted, wheelchair accessible
Daffin Park 1.5 miles Rubberized running trail plus an 8-foot sidewalk; 1/3-mile lighted loop around Daffin Lake
Bowles Ford 0.7 mile Lighted, paved, around a 16-acre lake off Stiles Avenue
Tatemville Park 0.7 mile Lighted, paved, around a 20-acre lake off Coleman Street
Joe Tribble Park, 12519 Largo Drive 0.568 mile 51 acres with an 11-acre lake in Windsor Forest
Liberty City Park, 1401 Mills B. Lane Blvd. 0.331 mile Around a 3-acre lake
Cann Park, 46th and Bulloch streets 0.2 mile Rubberized, lighted track

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park began in the 1840s as a 10-acre plot and now covers 30 acres, according to the city. It has the 1858 fountain at the north end, monuments, sports courts and walking paths.

  • The fountain was taken apart and restored in 2025, its first major restoration since 1988, under a city contract of up to $650,000.
  • The tennis courts reopened Sept. 25, 2026, after a summer renovation with new courts, fencing and surfacing. They are open dawn to 9 p.m., lighted 6 to 9 p.m., every day, according to the city.
  • The playground reopened in fall 2025 with a new rubber surface.
  • The Saturday farmers market sets up at the south end; see our farmers markets guide.

Daffin Park

Daffin Park, 1301 E. Victory Drive, has the city’s longest running loop, a lake, the Daffin Dog Park and the Daffin pool. The city has been building a Daffin Signature Playground in the park’s northwest corner for ages 2 to 12, with a splash pad and new restrooms. The city’s June 2026 capital projects report said construction was continuing and expected the playground to open in August. It did not open then: water ponded on the site, and crews began laying drainage pipe Oct. 6. The city now says it will announce an opening date in November, after a final inspection expected Oct. 22. Read our story.

Truman Linear Park Trail

The newest link, Phase 2B, is complete: 1.9 miles from DeRenne Avenue and Reuben Clark Drive to the west side of the 52nd Street bridge, according to the city’s project page. It connects Lake Mayer Park and Phase 2A to the Police Memorial Trail (Phase 1), so you can walk, run or ride from Lake Mayer to Daffin Park without a gap. The path is separated from traffic and built to ADA standards.

McQueen’s Island Trail: closed

Chatham County closed McQueen’s Trail, the 6-mile path along U.S. 80 between the Bull River and Fort Pulaski, on Aug. 3, 2026, until further notice to repair damage from Hurricanes Debby and Helene, according to the county’s July 28 release.

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal

A trail through river swamp forest along the old Jenkes Toll Road, with some rough sections. Leashed dogs are allowed. The city lists admission of $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, military and children 7 to 17; members are free.

Splash pads and playgrounds

The city’s parks and playgrounds list gives each park’s address, acreage and facilities, including playgrounds, basketball courts, athletic fields, picnic areas and spray pools at parks such as Avondale and Blackshear.

Pools

The city’s four outdoor pools are free during the summer season. Daffin Park pool closed for the year on Oct. 4, and Ford, W.W. Law and Tompkins pools are closed, according to the aquatics page. City pools are closed Fridays for staff training.

Rules worth knowing

  • Dogs must be leashed in all city parks and squares, and owners must pick up after them, under the city’s leash law.
  • Boaters can tie up at the city’s Rousakis Plaza and Eastern Wharf recreational docks on the river; register with Mobility and Parking Services at 912-651-3634. The first three hours of the first day are free.

What this means for you

  • For a long walk: Forsyth or Daffin, 1.5 miles each, or the new Truman trail.
  • Skip McQueen’s Trail until the county reopens it.
  • Book the Forsyth tennis courts through the Bacon Park Tennis Center.

Related: farmers markets, getting around Savannah and history and landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the walk around Forsyth Park?

1.5 miles around the 30-acre park, on paved, lighted sidewalks that are wheelchair accessible, according to the City of Savannah.

Is McQueen’s Island Trail open?

No. Chatham County closed McQueen’s Trail on Aug. 3, 2026, until further notice, to repair damage from Hurricanes Debby and Helene.

Are dogs allowed in Savannah parks and squares?

Yes, on a leash. Savannah’s leash law covers parks, squares and neighborhoods, and owners must pick up after their pets or face a fine.

When are the Forsyth Park tennis courts open?

Dawn to 9 p.m. daily, with lights from 6 to 9 p.m. Reserve through the Bacon Park Tennis Center at 912-351-3850. The courts reopened after renovation on Sept. 25, 2026.

Are Savannah’s public pools open?

Not now. Daffin Park pool, the last open city pool, closed for the season on Oct. 4, 2026. City pools are free during the summer season.