The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish a framework for cooperation and collaboration between the City of Savannah and the Friends of Forsyth Conservancy (The Conservancy) to help protect, preserve, and improve Forsyth Park. This MOU does not create any binding contractual obligations on either party. The agreement defines the relationship between the City of Savannah and the Conservancy to ensure that the goals of each are accomplished in a mutually supportive way. This agreement does not bind the City to the 2022 Forsyth Park Master Plan, as that plan is identified as a guiding document with proposed improvements and projects for consideration. Within this agreement, the City retains full control of Forsyth Park, including sole authority to make all final decisions regarding the Park.

In November 2024, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was removed from the City Council agenda to gather additional feedback from the surrounding neighborhoods and community and to clarify misunderstandings regarding the perceived change in ownership or decision-making authority concerning Forsyth Park's use, maintenance, or construction. City staff held numerous meetings with the leadership of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Victorian Neighborhood Association, incorporated all requested revisions into the MOU, and clarified the intent of the agreement, including reiterating that there was no change in ownership or final decision-making authority.

To gather more input from across the city, the City initiated a broader community engagement effort. This effort includes a Forsyth Park City website landing page, a question submission portal, a Frequently Asked Questions brief, a copy of the MOU draft language, the Forsyth Park Master Plan, and a link to the Friends of Forsyth Conservancy organization. Over a 30-day period, the City’s Communications Team undertook efforts to engage the community, address inquiries, and solicit feedback. Additionally, a series of brief videos were produced that offered further information about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and requested public input.

The ‘Feedback and Question Submission Portal’ closed on April 18. Staff collected the feedback, summarized the input, and answered community questions. We received responses from over 18 different neighborhoods reflecting in a tremendous amount of passion and love for Forsyth Park.

Approval