Savannah’s Playground opened in the fall of 2016 as the Grand Strand’s first fully inclusive playground, creating a place where children of all abilities can play, explore, and connect. Named in honor of Savannah Thompson, a young adult with special needs, the playground reflects the Thompson family’s vision of fostering meaningful social interaction through inclusive play.
The project was a cornerstone of former Mayor John Rhodes’ commitment to expanding accessible recreational opportunities for the community. Located adjacent to Crabtree Memorial Gymnasium in the heart of Grand Park, just across the lake from The Market Common, the playground features ADA-compliant play structures and accessible amenities that encourage children of all abilities to play side by side.
In recognition of its impact, Savannah’s Playground received the 2017 Excellence Award from the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association.
Recent enhancements have elevated the play experience even further, including the installation of synthetic turf, SkyWays® Shade structures, a GeoPlex® climbing wall, and HealthBeat® outdoor fitness equipment. New inclusive play features—including the We-Go-Swing®, Flexx™ Swing, Symbol Communication Sign, and Rhapsody® musical instruments—provide even more opportunities for children and families of all abilities to engage, discover, and play together.