Savannah Evaluates Future of Every Woman’s Marathon Amid Community Feedback and New Early Childhood Learning Center Plans

Savannah Faces Important Decisions After Every Woman’s Marathon

As we wrap up another bustling year in Savannah, local leaders are gearing up for crucial discussions about the future of the Every Woman’s Marathon. After its debut on November 16, this unique event received its fair share of praise and criticism. Mayor Van Johnson assured the community that evaluations would be conducted with the race team and law enforcement before finalizing any decisions.

Community Conversations Are Key

In a recent meeting of the city’s Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), members shared their thoughts on how the marathon unfolded. Joe Marinelli, the President and CEO of Visit Savannah, disclosed that the event fostered many positive relationships with visitors, who gave rave reviews about Savannah in a post-race survey. However, along with those glowing reports, residents voiced their frustrations. Many were inconvenienced by road closures stretching from downtown to Ardsley Park and all the way to the south side.

Working Towards Improvement

On Wednesday, city officials gathered for an internal debrief. Susan Broker, Savannah’s director for the Office of Special Events, Film and Tourism, emphasized the city’s commitment to finding a balance. “We are working on a performance criteria to lessen the impact of the event on residents,” Broker explained at the TAC meeting. “It’s important to let everyone know that we don’t just stop thinking about the race once it’s over. We’re already brainstorming improvements.”

Next Steps for the Marathon

Marinelli acknowledged he spent the days following the marathon “absorbed” in assessing how the event could be better organized in the future. Communication emerged as a significant hurdle, and TAC Chair, Sue Adler, pointed out the marathon’s potential as a dazzling asset for Savannah. “We’re the only place in the country with a women’s marathon, and that’s something to celebrate! But we need to ensure we are accommodating both residents and participants,” Adler stated.

A Defining Year Ahead

Michael Owens, president of the Tourism Leadership Council, noted that if the race returns, next year must be a defining moment. “This is our chance to either make it work or step back. We’re open to increasing our involvement if the marathon comes back,” Owens added. “But 2024 has to be a year of action.” The conversation is more than just a review; it’s about paving the way for a successful event that truly benefits Savannah.

Exciting Developments on East Side

East Savannah United (ESU) recently secured a generous grant from the Truist Charitable Fund amounting to $100,000. This funding will support the construction of a 20,300-square-foot center in Hitch Village, aimed at enriching early education for the area’s children.

Community and Funding Shares the Stage

The project, which already has 78% of its construction costs covered by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales tax, will also require an additional $2.5 million in private funding. Once completed, the learning center will accommodate 144 children while also revitalizing a public library in Hitch Village. It’s designed to ensure that at least 50% of students come from Savannah’s east side and qualify as low-income.

Share Your Local Insights!

As discussions about these exciting developments unfold, we want to hear from you! If you’ve got neighborhood updates, organization events, or news tips that could help our Savannahians stay in the know, please reach out via email. This Friday marks the deadline for the On Our Radar series, so don’t miss your chance to contribute!

With the marathon’s future still in the air and new learning opportunities emerging, Savannah is looking forward to a bright and hopeful 2024!