Columbia continues to work on its mission to make our parks and playgrounds more accessible, safe, and fun places for kids and families to play and enjoy. Finlay Park is the most recent of these.
Finlay Park had not been in the best condition and was in desperate need of a makeover. Well, the city gave it just that! This previously sparse park, received a $25 million makeover — with an additional $2 million a year allotted for upkeep to the 17-acre park. And, after a visit to this beautifully revitalized park, I can say that it was money well spent. I was truly in awe as I walked around this amazing park and took in all it has to offer!
The city recently held grand re-opening ceremony to celebrate Finlay Park’s revitalization. There was an opening ceremony event and a live music festival the reminder of that weekend. It was a great way to celebrate the reopening of this wonderful park. It was fantastic seeing so many people enjoying all the new features and amenities this park now offers.
Location
- Address: 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Features
- Multiple Large Playgrounds
- Splash Pad
- ADA Accessible Public Restrooms
- Pickleball Court
- Outdoor Fitness Area
- Frisbee Disc Golf Course
- Ping Pong Tables
- Five Miles of Walking Trails
- Dog Run
- Large Open Grassy Area
- Roller Skate and Remote-controlled Sailboat Rentals
- Music Pavilion
- ADA Accessible ramps throughout the park
- Snack Shop
- Covered Seating Area
- Multiple benches and chairs throughout the park
- Scenic Overlook
- Food Truck Zone
What We Love About It
In addition to all of these amazing features, there is now also a ranger station, with park rangers using cameras throughout the park, police monitoring, and 24-hour security to help ensure guest safety. There is also emergency call boxes located throughout the park. For the security of all park visitors, a Clear Bag policy is in effect at all times. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags and medically necessary items.
My friends and I went to the Jam Room music festival opening weekend. I enjoyed the park so much that my photographer friend and I decided it would be the perfect place for our annual family photos. The kids and I went this past weekend for family photos and at 9:30AM, the park was already fairly busy with walkers, people playing pickleball and, of course, kids on the playgrounds.
The new playground areas in the park are fantastic! There are play areas for children of all ages with plenty of climbing equipment, slides, swings (including swings built for children with special needs), balance apparatuses, and instruments. You will also find plenty of seating for adults to relax as you watch your kids play. One of the best features of the new playground area is a huge/tall hill that is fun for both kids and adults to slide down.
One of the other great things about the new Finlay Park is all of the different health and wellness activities it has to offer. There is a large grassy area with soccer goals, free to use. The fitness court looked really cool. (Note that the fitness court though is only for ages 14 and up.) There are also multiple pickle ball courts located next to the fitness court. My son said the frisbee disc golf course was fun to play.
In the summer, there is a space that turns into a splash pad area. There are also different reservable indoor and outdoor areas for events available through the city’s website.
Included in the renovations was the repair of the iconic spiral fountain, or as my ten-year old refers to it, the cinnamon roll fountain. In addition, new cascading falls and streams have been added to the beautification of the park. Multiple water features, beautiful painted turtles, and even rapids have been added to multiple areas.
I love that the city brought Finlay Park back as a safe and family friendly space downtown! The Jam Fest music festival opening weekend brought so many people from all over the city together to enjoy the beautiful weather, great music and all the new features of the park. So many friends have told me about all the concerts they used to attend in the past and how great it is to see Finlay Park thriving again. There are also multiple beautiful sculptures throughout the park.
One really fun feature is the oval shaped walking/skating path in the center of the park. You can rent skates for just $3-$5 and roll around the large grassy area it encircles.
How many times have you gone to the park and wished you had packed more snacks for your kids or for yourself? Finlay Park now has a snack shop with a variety of snacks and drinks available that are very affordable. Prices range from just $1-$5. And there is a covered area you can sit and enjoy your snacks. The snack shop also sells sunscreen and ponchos, just in case. This is also where you would pay for your skate rental and the use of the ping pong tables/equipment.
Things to be aware of
Clear Bag Policy
Even though this is an outdoor public space, the city has implemented a clear bag policy for the park. Be sure to check the policy before you go, so you know what is and is not allowed. If you’re wondering how they plan to enforce the rule, I did notice police officers on patrol while I was there. Be sure to also check the list of park policies before your visit.
Sliding Down the Grassy Hill
Many people use a cardboard box to slide down the hill. However, a cardboard box is not needed and is discretionary. You will slide down pretty fast on your own and the park rangers will let you know that if you do choose to bring cardboard, it’s at your own risk.
Parking
Here is where you can and cannot park when you go to Finlay Park:
- Taylor Street: Metered street parking
- Gadsden Street: You will see a parking lot entrance here, but it will most likely be closed. They are not keeping this side open all the time.
- Laurel Street: Entrance to the parking lot is on this road. There is also metered street parking available.
A Park Like No Other
According to the city’s website, the history of Finlay Park is iconic, and the park has carried many names and served many roles since the 1800s. Known at one point as Seaboard Park, at other times Sidney Park, and with other names in between, the green space in the heart of downtown Columbia has evolved with the city.
For generations, the land stretching from Gadsden Street to Assembly Street and from Taylor Street to Laurel Street has captivated residents and visitors alike, providing a place for community, connection, and creativity. Be sure to check the park website frequently for upcoming events.
Have you been to the revitalized Finlay Park? Share what you love about it in the comments!
