Save Savannah's Riverfront Tugboat Sandbox
Donation protected
"Everybody that goes to the tugboat has a smile on their face." -Eric Meyerhoff
Did you know that the iconic Savannah Riverfront was almost turned into a parking lot? My father helped save it, and now I need your support to protect the part he loved the most.
My father, the late Eric Meyerhoff, along with his architectural partner, the late Robert Gunn, were a dynamic duo responsible for much of the restoration of historic Savannah. They loved this city like it was one of their own children, and were committed to revitalizing as many history-filled pieces as possible. Riverstreet, now an international tourist attraction, was saved from a fate of tar and desolation thanks to their vision. Together, Gunn and Meyerhoff renovated, restored, and designed over 70 buildings and projects in the city's nationally designated historic district.
But of all their successes, my father's most cherished professional project was, as SGTV put it, "one of the simplest additions to the Riverwalk." The child-sized tugboat "moored" in a sandbox on the banks of the Savannah River. If you've visited Riverstreet, you know that it caters mostly to adults, with fabulous bars, restaurants, and shops. This particular structure was designed exclusively for the little ones, and they adored it. Strolling by, you may have seen youngsters climbing across her bow, pretending to be the captain, or trying to reach the top of the funnel. Actually, you may have enjoyed it as well: I, for one, am guilty of posing on it, and I know many people who have similar photos in their “I visited Savannah” collection.
Sadly, Tinkerbell (yes, she has a name) was removed in 2019, as she needed a considerable amount of restoration work. The city is worried that restoring her would just find her back for repairs the next year. So instead, with your support, and the generous City of Savannah, we can build a replica that can hold up to Savannah's heat and children's continuous wear and tear. Knowing how much this would mean to my father, it would mean the world to me to help the City raise these funds, and bring Tinkerbell back to life.
Would you consider making a donation today? I would love to see big smiles return to little faces on Riverstreet. That's just how Eric and Bob would have wanted it.
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UPDATE: Thank you all so much for the outpouring of love and support for the tugboat, it means so much. We reached our original goal of $10,000! And we don't have to stop here: all additional funds will be used for the tugboat's upkeep and any other associated costs. Thank you for helping bring Tinkerbell back to life!
You may also follow us on Facebook to see updates, share memories and photos: https://www.facebook.com/thesavannahtugboat
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The First Tugboat Sketch, 1970s
Eric Meyerhoff and Bob Gunn on the Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, 1970s
Main Photo Credit: The Exchange, Business & Employment Magazine, Savannah Morning News, July 22, 2001
Did you know that the iconic Savannah Riverfront was almost turned into a parking lot? My father helped save it, and now I need your support to protect the part he loved the most.
My father, the late Eric Meyerhoff, along with his architectural partner, the late Robert Gunn, were a dynamic duo responsible for much of the restoration of historic Savannah. They loved this city like it was one of their own children, and were committed to revitalizing as many history-filled pieces as possible. Riverstreet, now an international tourist attraction, was saved from a fate of tar and desolation thanks to their vision. Together, Gunn and Meyerhoff renovated, restored, and designed over 70 buildings and projects in the city's nationally designated historic district.
But of all their successes, my father's most cherished professional project was, as SGTV put it, "one of the simplest additions to the Riverwalk." The child-sized tugboat "moored" in a sandbox on the banks of the Savannah River. If you've visited Riverstreet, you know that it caters mostly to adults, with fabulous bars, restaurants, and shops. This particular structure was designed exclusively for the little ones, and they adored it. Strolling by, you may have seen youngsters climbing across her bow, pretending to be the captain, or trying to reach the top of the funnel. Actually, you may have enjoyed it as well: I, for one, am guilty of posing on it, and I know many people who have similar photos in their “I visited Savannah” collection.
Sadly, Tinkerbell (yes, she has a name) was removed in 2019, as she needed a considerable amount of restoration work. The city is worried that restoring her would just find her back for repairs the next year. So instead, with your support, and the generous City of Savannah, we can build a replica that can hold up to Savannah's heat and children's continuous wear and tear. Knowing how much this would mean to my father, it would mean the world to me to help the City raise these funds, and bring Tinkerbell back to life.
Would you consider making a donation today? I would love to see big smiles return to little faces on Riverstreet. That's just how Eric and Bob would have wanted it.
------
UPDATE: Thank you all so much for the outpouring of love and support for the tugboat, it means so much. We reached our original goal of $10,000! And we don't have to stop here: all additional funds will be used for the tugboat's upkeep and any other associated costs. Thank you for helping bring Tinkerbell back to life!
You may also follow us on Facebook to see updates, share memories and photos: https://www.facebook.com/thesavannahtugboat
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The First Tugboat Sketch, 1970sEric Meyerhoff and Bob Gunn on the Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, 1970sMain Photo Credit: The Exchange, Business & Employment Magazine, Savannah Morning News, July 22, 2001
Organizer
Margot Meyerhoff
Organizer
New York, NY
