Columbia has been on a mission recently to make our parks and playgrounds more accessible, safe, and fun places for kids and families to play and enjoy. As a mom to two very active preschoolers, visiting parks is a regular part of our weekly routine.
Mays Park is a newly revitalized public park that just officially opened up to the public in August, after undergoing a nearly 1-million-dollar renovation. Improvements include equipment for all ages, a new playground and splash pad, courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball, and a new rain garden. In addition, there were improvements such as relocated power lines, improvements to storm water drainage and improved parking, access, and walkability.
Location
Address: 1521 Deans Lane, Columbia, SC 29205
Located in Forest Acres, you’ll find Mays Park right by the intersection of Trenholm Rd. and Beltline Boulevard on Deans Lane.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Features
- Playground Structures
- Tree house
- Swings
- Tennis Court
- Pickleball Court
- Basketball Court
- Splash Pad
- Walking Trails
- Community Space
There are two separate jungle gym structures for toddlers and school-aged children. The largest structure features climbing walls, slides and a ropes course. There is also a treehouse structure with a climbing net, and a swing set that features swings sized for babies to adults.
The park also features newly renovated multi-use pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.
The splash pad was one of the last features completed before the ribbon cutting. It features multiple fountains and a large sitting ledge for parents. The concrete slab of the splash pad is a broom finish, to improve traction and slip resistance.
There is a large circular path around the periphery of the park for walking, running, biking and scootering. The park, situated on the corner of two major roads, is completely fenced near those larger roads, making it safer for little ones to run and play.
There is a large open grassy field for running and sitting; perfect for setting up picnic chairs and blankets. Although the city removed just under 20 trees during the renovation, there are a multitude of large mature trees remaining, providing ample shade and cooling, even on the hottest of summer days.
What we love about it
One of our favorite things about Mays Park is all of the green space for our kids to run and play. We feel very safe letting them roam a bit, knowing the park is fenced near the sections that lead out to the main road.
With the new splash pad open, it’s the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day here in Columbia. We love how they finished the slab to lessen the likelihood of slips and falls.
This park can get quite crowded on the weekends but there is ample parking in the neighborhood along the side streets. With the expansive green space, there is plenty of room to spread out, and it’s a perfect spot for a playdate, birthday party or family picnic.
From playdates to family outings, this park is the perfect setting for parents and children alike to walk, run, play, socialize and relax. Given the upgrades to the facilities, the layout and the general ambience, I think it’s a playground you’ll find yourself bringing your family to time after time.
We can’t recommend this park and playground enough! We hope you enjoy it as much as our family has.
