Daffin Park

Historic Design

Walking through Daffin Park today, you're actually stepping into a piece of history dating back to 1907. The park bears the design fingerprint of John Nolen, a landscape architect who was kind of a big deal back then, and it's named after Philip Daffin, who headed up Savannah's Park and Tree Commission first.

The layout has this elegant Beaux Arts inspiration - picture a central mall lined with oak trees, with design elements radiating from two main circles, plus a substantial water feature. This is a textbook example of the City Beautiful Movement that shaped urban planning in the early 1900s.

Recreational Amenities

Daffin Park offers many options for physical activity. The walking paths are extensive, including a 1.5-mile rubberized trail that loops around the perimeter. Named after Robert Espinoza, this cushioned track is a favorite for both serious runners and casual strollers looking to get their steps in.

Sports enthusiasts won't be disappointed either. Tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball areas with sand, soccer and football fields, and even pickle ball courts dot the landscape. And there's plenty of open green space where you can toss a frisbee or organize an impromptu game with friends.

A fluffy dog enjoys the pine-needle covered ground at Herty Pines Dog Park

Photo: Stephen Routh (CC BY 2.0)

Water Features

The park's pond is not only pretty - it's a little oasis with fountains that create a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. These water features provide nice picnic backdrops or just a quiet spot to sit and clear your head for a while.

Grayson Stadium

A notable feature is Grayson Stadium, built in 1941 as a replacement for the older Municipal Stadium. Currently home to the Savannah Bananas baseball team (known for turning baseball into pure entertainment), the stadium adds to Daffin's role as a community gathering spot and local sports hub.

Dog Park

For the four-legged members of your family, Daffin includes a thoughtfully designed dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. The space is fenced and shaded, letting dogs run off-leash safely while their humans relax. There are multiple water stations for thirsty pups, making it a regular hangout for local pet owners.

William L. Grayson Stadium's brick facade with three flags flying proudly outside

Photo: Ron Cogswell (CC BY 2.0)

Playground and Pool

If you're visiting with kids, you'll appreciate the well-maintained playground areas that work for different age groups. Multiple play structures sit atop soft ground covering for those inevitable tumbles.

When Savannah's summer heat hits, the public swimming pool becomes one of the park's most appreciated features - a cooling reprieve for both families and individuals.

Community Events

Daffin Park really comes alive during its many community events. Year-round, you'll come across festivals, sports tournaments (rugby is particularly big here), art exhibitions, and holiday celebrations. The SCAD Sidewalk Art Festival and Juneteenth celebrations are just a couple of the special events that bring the community together in this green space.

Modern Usage

Over the years, Daffin Park has evolved with the community while still holding onto its historic character.

Today, this 80-acre public space remains a popular spot for exercise, relaxation, and gathering. The magnificent oak trees draped with Spanish moss create natural canopies across the park, offering welcome shade even on the hottest Georgia days.