Facts About the Memorial Park Project

• What is going on with Memorial Park and TIMA?

  Memorial Park on Tybee Island is at the center of a community planning process that aims to balance preservation, public use, and future development. In response to increasing demand, aging infrastructure, and evolving community needs, the City of Tybee has partnered with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) through a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) titled the “Memorial Park Reconciliation TAP.” This effort, initiated in April–May 2025, brings together national experts to help the city evaluate unified design improvements for the 4.5-acre park. The TAP will assess how the park can support multi-generational needs, provide space for a new community center and school, improve emergency sheltering capabilities, and remain consistent with Tybee’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The goal is a thoughtful, community-rooted transformation of one of Tybee’s most essential civic spaces.

• What is the decision-making process?

  • February: City Council approved a $10K contract with the nonprofit Urban Land Institute (ULI) to provide technical assistance.

  • April: ULI was provided previous plans for the park, available feedback gleaned from community surveys, facility usage and maintenance and other pertinent information.

  • April: ULI conducted stakeholder meetings.

  • June: City Council will vote on Resolution 2025-11, Directing the City Manager to Communicate with the Tybee Island Maritime Academy (TIMA), Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), Tybee Island YMCA and Additional Entities for the Purpose of Exploring TIMA's, SCCPS', YMCA's and Additional Entities' Interest and the Feasibility of Locating a Shared Use School and Community Facility Located in Tybee Island Memorial Park

  • August: ULI presents finding and recommended next steps to the city and community.

  • August: City Council decides whether and how to proceed on next steps, this could include, for example, authorizing the City Manager to negotiate with TIMA, developing a master plan with drawings for facility placement on the park to preserve green space, and additional resident input.

• What is currently located in the park?

  Memorial Park on Tybee Island is a vital civic and recreational hub, home to a range of community buildings and amenities. It includes city hall, the fire station, the YMCA, the library, the old school cafeteria, meeting rooms, a community garden, and the Rising TYde Food Pantry — all serving essential roles for residents. The park also features two large rental pavilions, several smaller picnic shelters, lighted tennis and volleyball courts, a basketball court, a playground, a soccer field, and public restrooms. A small historic cemetery, dating back to the 1870s, and historical memorials add cultural significance. Located in the city center and close to the beach, Memorial Park is walkable, bike-accessible, and central to life on the island.

• Why should we undertake this planning process now?

  Memorial Park faces urgent needs for revitalization. A dedicated facility master plan is needed to address aging infrastructure and service gaps across the park, including the YMCA and fire and ocean rescue stations, which are outdated and constrained in their ability to meet growing community demands. Persistent environmental challenges—particularly flooding and drainage issues identified in the stormwater management plan—continue to threaten the park’s usability and nearby neighborhoods. Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive, coordinated plan has led to incremental encroachment that reduces green space and compromises the park’s historic and recreational value. At the same time, TIMA Is in need of a more permanent location. Addressing these interconnected facility, environmental, and planning challenges through a unified revitalization strategy is essential to restore Memorial Park as a resilient, safe, and vibrant hub for all residents and visitors.

• How could the Memorial Park/community center project benefit me, my family and the community?

  We have an opportunity to revitalize the heart of Tybee Island in a way that benefits all residents. By reimagining the old school building and aligning it with broader community needs, we can enhance green space while creating a vibrant, multi-purpose community hub. A shared facility could include flexible meeting rooms, card/game spaces, childcare, and event areas. Our YMCA could be upgraded with modern fitness spaces and programs for seniors, children, and teens. Leveraging partnerships across institutions—such as the City, YMCA, and TIMA—allows us to meet diverse needs efficiently within shared space. Multigenerational community centers foster social connection, improve health outcomes, and support our economy. They provide vital services like childcare and education, strengthen workforce stability, increase property values, and attract full-time residents. In short, they enhance quality of life and long-term community resilience.

• How many Tybee residents belong to the YMCA and what services does the Y provide?

  The YMCA building serves as the Recreation Department for the City of Tybee Island. As such, it not only includes programs for YMCA members, but also offers free memberships to City employees, free gym access to all residents, free programs and spaces for older persons on the Island (card games etc.), serves as the location for the food pantry, offices for EMS staff, and many other community benefits. About 40% of Tybee residents are members of the YMCA, and membership is growing every year.

  In addition, the Y’s Tybee branch delivers tremendous community impact—over $124,000 in total benefits—including serving 1,243 members and 1,275 program participants with more than 3,750 monthly check‑ins. City employees receive $65,636 in membership support, while direct financial aid to members totals $28,434 and corporate membership partnerships add another $2,659. Cancer survivors have rebuilt strength and quality of life through LIVESTRONG ($5,220 in free family memberships), TIMA students enjoy after‑school care, and youth sports thrive in the gymnasium. Plus, over 2,000 people have come together at free community events like Trunk or Treat, Santa in the Gym, and the Back to School Bash.

• Why do we need to renovate the building that houses theYMCA?

  Renovating the Tybee YMCA is crucial to modernize its aging systems for safety and reliability, improve accessibility with ADA‑compliant entrances and facilities, and reconfiguring spaces for expanded programs—supporting everything from LIVESTRONG and TIMA after‑school care to youth sports and community events. Upgrading to energy‑efficient lighting, HVAC, and water fixtures will lower utility costs, freeing resources for member financial aid and new partnerships. Ultimately, a refreshed, welcoming facility will enhance the member experience, boost monthly check‑ins, and ensure the Y remains a vibrant “place for everyone” on Tybee Island for years to come.

• Why should the city include TIMA in its plans for the park?

  Education has been part of Tybee’s history from our earliest beginnings. At the turn of the 20th century, students met in a modest two‑story schoolhouse in what is now Memorial Park—complete with teacher’s quarters above and a wing serving as town hall. This original classroom later became the public library. In 1916 that building gave way to a purpose‑built, single‑story school also in Memorial Park (featured in a c. 1926 Tybee Beach Company brochure) with its own town‑hall wing. In 1946 Mayor Edward Dutton petitioned the Board of Education for federal funds to replace the aging facility then serving 98 pupils; and in 1955 a modern school (now commonly referred to as the “old school”) opened in Memorial Park before closing under desegregation in 1988. St. Michael’s Catholic Day School enriched island education from 1948 until 2010.

  After St. Michael’s Catholic School closed at the end of 2009, local parents, educators, and civic leaders formed Tybee Island Charter School Inc. to bring public schooling back to the community. They drafted a charter petition focused on a maritime‑themed, project‑based curriculum and secured initial approval from the Savannah‑Chatham County Board of Education in May 2012.  In October 2012, the Georgia State Board of Education formally granted the charter, and in August 2013 TIMA opened its doors in the former St. Michael’s parochial school buildings under a long‑term lease with the Diocese of Savannah 

  The “old school” now serves as the YMCA and community hub. It would be fitting to honor the legacy of education in our city’s center by returning a school to the Memorial Park site—consolidating its spaces with the Y and other vital community services.

• Can’t TIMA go somewhere else? Has it explored all their options for facilities?

  TIMA has been looking for an alternate placement since it opened and has been actively engaging in public dialogue and pursuing every available option on the Island since 2016. TIMA has exhausted all opportunities on the Island.  

• Is St. Michaels kicking TIMA out/is TIMA closing?

  No. Starting in 2010 when City Council petitioned for there to be a school on Tybee at the behest of residents, the facilities secured with the diocese were meant to be temporary. However, if a permanent Tybee placement is not found, the school will need to find permanent accommodations off-island.

• How many children live on Tybee?

  According to the most recent census, approximately 255 people under the age of 18 live on Tybee, 120 are age eligible to attend TIMA.

• How many TIMA students are Tybee residents?

  TIMA currently serves 82 Tybee children. According to a 2023 survey, TIMA is the school for an estimated 90% of Tybee children who are eligible to attend. The lottery system provides preference for Tybee children. The waitlist for TIMA enrollment is currently 181 children. There are four Tybee children on TIMA’s waitlist, and they will be admitted if a space opens in that grade.

  Many Tybee families cite TIMA as a primary reason they moved to the island. TIMA children participate in local programs and are the primary reason for growth of our youth sports and dance programs. TIMA children participate in community service in many ways, creating an oyster recycling program, clearing trash and microplastics from the beach, volunteering at community events and planting milkweed for Monarch conservation to name just a few.

• How might the project enhance green space?

  The project will be designed to preserve and enhance green space — with the potential to expand gardens, playgrounds, and recreation areas, not replace them. We have sufficient space to build the facility needed and preserve green space. The project will respect height limits and Tybee’s architectural style, ensuring the island retains its beloved character.

• How will this be funded?

  There are multiple funding options to explore. A shared community building could be a public-private partnership funded by SPLOST, municipal bond, grants, and private contributions. If the school is allotted space in a city facility, TIMA could pay rent to cover its costs. If the school is provided separate space for its own building under a long-term lease with the City, it may be eligible to seek funding from E-SPLOST, County School funds, and private funding to cover its costs.

  If the Council approves a resolution to proceed with the project, the city manager will be tasked with identifying funding options for consideration by our elected officials. It is possible that the ULI report will also make recommendations.

  Combining a school with a YMCA could provide an opportunity for cost savings by sharing facilities, staff, and resources—reducing duplication and improving efficiency. It also builds a vibrant, multigenerational community hub where families can access education, childcare, fitness, and social services in one place.