Daffin Park in Savannah, Georgia

You know that city park that has it all? Clean green open space, jogging trails, fun for kids, a dog park, and a rich history: are you dreaming, or are you in Daffin Park Savannah?

Considered the best recreational park in Savannah, Daffin Park is a favorite hub for locals. Since this park is located outside the historic district, you won’t find any landmarks or memorials here, but Daffin Park has a rich history of its own and plenty of things to do, even for someone from out of town.

Park Features

Visitors to Daffin Park enjoy the many walking paths, 80 acres of green space, tennis courts, and soccer, football, or rugby playing fields. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also a public pool and a playground suitable for all children.

The picturesque pond, perfect for enjoying lunch and people watching, can be used for fishing or spotting turtles. The pond was originally built in the shape of the contiguous 48 states and has its own unique history. Used as a fishing hole, the water would frequently become soapy when kids rinsed off in the pond rather than pay the 5 cents for a shower before hopping in the public pool nearby.

The 1.5-mile track is a favorite spot for runners. The rubberized trail winds around the park. A cement sidewalk is also wheelchair accessible.

If you’re enjoying Daffin Park more leisurely, we recommend strolling around the Daffin Lake, a lit-up walkway that will get you moving while people-watching or connecting with others. The lake is no longer soapy, but you may spot turtles or fish that call the park home.

Perhaps the best pastime in the park is coming for a picnic. Daffin Park is an excellent place to slow down and savor the simple things in life.

History of Daffin Park

Daffin Park has been around for over a century but has been popular since the beginning. 

Daffin Park was founded in 1907. It was named after the local railroad president and the chair of the city’s first Park and Tree Commission, Philip Daffin.

The city hired a Yankee landscape architect, John Nolen, who believed city parks should be designed with human interaction in mind. Thanks to him, over 110 years later, the park is a “people’s park,” attracting Savannahians (and the tourists who are in on the secret) from every walk of life.

Grayson Stadium

The home of the Savannah Bananas, Savannah’s collegiate baseball team, Grayson Stadium, is also found in Daffin Park. Originally known as the Municipal Stadium, the stadium hosted the Boston Red Sox in 1932. In the ’40s, the stadium needed significant renovations after a hurricane ravaged the land. It was rebuilt and renamed the Grayson Stadium after the Spanish-American War veteran General William L Grayson.

The dog park is located just behind the stadium and has an area for both small and larger dog breeds.

Festivals

You might also be lucky enough to visit Daffin Park during a Festival or Tournament. Sports matches, food trucks, and other events are often featured in the green space. And almost every Daffin Park event, especially if it’s around Savannah’s St Patrick’s Day, features plenty of beer and food, so you’re sure to have a good time.