City of Savannah Breaks Ground on Community Center at Windsor Forest • Savannah Herald

City of Savannah Breaks Ground on Community Center at Windsor Forest

SAVANNAH — The City of Savannah today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Community Center at Windsor Forest, launching construction of a long-anticipated recreation facility that will expand recreational opportunities and community gathering spaces for residents on Savannah’s south side.

City officials were joined by community members, project partners, and stakeholders to commemorate the milestone at the former Woody’s Skatepark site. The $9.8 million project includes a new community center, a full-sized gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, fitness space, concessions, and flexible community areas designed to support recreation programs, special events, and neighborhood activities.

“What we do here today is something that will outlast all of us,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson II. For years, the residents of Windsor Forest and Savannah’s Southside have called for this investment. Today, not only are we breaking ground but also we are delivering on a promise and turning a long-held community vision into reality. This is what listening to residents, keeping our commitments, and investing in our neighborhoods looks like.”

The Community Center at Windsor Forest advances Goal 2 of the Savannah GPS Strategic Plan—Invest in Equitable Community Development and Resiliency—by expanding access to high-quality recreational facilities and creating new opportunities for health and wellness, community engagement, and neighborhood connection.

“The Community Center at Windsor Forest reflects our commitment to investing in neighborhoods across Savannah,” said City Manager Jay Melder. “Projects like this strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and demonstrate how the City’s strategic plan translates into meaningful investments for residents.”

Residents joined City leaders in the ceremonial groundbreaking, celebrating the transformation of a site that has served generations of Savannah residents through recreation, including as a park, skating rink, and public swimming pool.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about more than a physical structure,” said District 6 Savannah City Alderman Kurtis Purtee. “It’s about the heart of this community. It symbolizes hard work, community progress, and the official start of something that will serve families for generations.”

Construction is scheduled to begin July 7, with the facility expected to open in late 2027.

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