Emily Douglas Park

A Hidden Oasis in the City

Situated in the historic Shandon neighborhood of Columbia, South Carolina, Emily Douglas Park is the kind of place locals love to keep as their little secret. This bowl-shaped green space with its canopy of towering pine trees offers a peaceful retreat from city life while being just a stone's throw from the bustling Five Points area.

Kid-Friendly Play Spaces

If you've got little ones in tow, you'll appreciate the dedicated play areas designed primarily with younger children in mind. The main playground caters to the 2-5 year crowd with pint-sized slides, a bridge, and climbing structures well-suited for tiny adventurers.

There are swings and climbing bars that little kids love, but the equipment might not challenge older children (8-10) quite as much. The monkey bars and balance swing are particular hits with the toddler and elementary school set, offering just enough excitement without overwhelming the youngest visitors.

Beat the Heat

Summer in South Carolina can be brutal, but Emily Douglas Park offers a refreshing spray pool area that operates weekdays from 10 am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 6 pm. Nothing beats watching kids splash around while you relax in the shade of those magnificent pines.

A Dog's Paradise

The double-fenced dog area nestled in the back corner is particularly popular. Here, four-legged friends can romp off-leash across the interesting hilly terrain. Yes, it can get a bit muddy after rain (pack a towel for muddy paws!), but the freedom to run up and down the small hills makes for some very happy dogs.

The entire park welcomes dogs, but they need to stay leashed outside the designated area. Many regulars come specifically for this shaded dog run - it's become something of a casual canine social club for neighborhood pups.

Community Hub

The park features a neighborhood center operating Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, providing after-school care for children aged 11 to 13. It's a testament to how this space represents a park and a community resource.

Chill Spaces and Good to Know

The amphitheater doubles as both performance space and casual picnic spot. The open grassy areas invite impromptu frisbee games or afternoon naps under the trees, but you might want to bring a blanket as seating options are somewhat limited.

A couple things to note: there are no restrooms on site, and parking is street-only in the surrounding neighborhood. Also, depending on the season, you might want to bring bug spray - those shady spots that feel so heavenly in summer can sometimes harbor mosquitoes.

With its blend of natural beauty, play areas, and community spaces all within minutes of downtown, Emily Douglas Park might be small in size, but it has plenty of neighborhood charm. It's a pleasant local spot for quiet moments away from the city bustle.