Social Infrastructure, Opportunities, and Barriers to Socializing in Savannah, Georgia

ABSTRACT: Social infrastructure, also known as third places or points of interest (POIs), fosters community health and enhances social well-being. Building and maintaining social infrastructure can help planners care for their residents and visitors. This paper explores social infrastructure, opportunities, and barriers to socializing in Savannah, Georgia, through a community survey conducted in collaboration with the City of Savannah. The study investigates POIs that facilitate socialization, accessibility across neighborhoods, locations that are perceived negatively for social life, and envisioned improvements. This data was collected through intercept surveys at various community events, yielding 178 responses. Survey data were analyzed qualitatively and spatially, using frequency counts, qualitative coding, and GIS mapping techniques. The results reveal popular social hubs, accessibility challenges, and recommendations for improvement. This research further illustrates the importance of equitable access to social spaces, providing data-driven examples that highlight gaps in infrastructure. The study contributes to understanding the role of social infrastructure in promoting community well-being and offers valuable insights for urban planning and community development initiatives.