Finlay Park

A Walk Through Time: The Story of Finlay Park

Found in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina lies an 18-acre green sanctuary known as Finlay Park. What began as Sidney Park back in 1859 has quite the comeback story. After falling on hard times following the Civil War and even being used for commercial purposes, the park got its second chance in 1990. Two years later, it was renamed to honor Kirkman Finlay, a former mayor whose dream was to breathe new life into this downtown escape.

Urban Oasis: What You'll Find

Surrounded by Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden, and Laurel streets, Finlay Park offers a refreshing escape from city life without actually leaving the city. The centerpiece is a beautiful man-made lake complemented by cascading waterfalls and a fountain that creates a peaceful flowing stream through the grounds.

The park's natural hill formation isn't just pretty to look at - it creates a natural amphitheater and rewards you with lovely views of Columbia's skyline. Walking paths wind around the park, and you can find several spots well-suited for pausing to appreciate the water features below.

Things to Do

If you're visiting with kids, the playground provides a space for them to burn off energy, but you might want to bring a portable chair as seating for parents is somewhat limited.

One of Finlay Park's best qualities is its accessibility - the paved paths accommodate wheelchairs and strollers with ease, making it one of the largest handicapped-accessible parks in the country. Looking for a picnic spot? There are designated areas available, but they've seen better days maintenance-wise.

Dog parents, rejoice! Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you for strolls along the trails. And yes, there's plenty of parking available when you visit.

Community Hub

Over the years, Finlay Park has been the beating heart of Columbia's outdoor gatherings. From festivals and political rallies to road races and the Summer Concert Series, the park brings people together. You might even stumble upon Sunday morning church services or community outreach events if you visit on the weekend.

Looking Ahead: The Renovation

As of 2023, Finlay Park is taking a temporary intermission for a much-needed makeover. The $21.5 million renovation project has the park closed until fall 2025, but the wait promises to be worth it.

The ambitious revitalization plans include repairing the iconic spiral fountain (which has been out of commission for years), building new multi-use spaces for events, and adding fresh amenities to make the park even more inviting. After years of maintenance challenges, this comprehensive project aims to restore Finlay Park to its rightful place as the crown jewel of Columbia's park system.

When the construction fences come down in 2025, Columbia will have its renovated park back with modernized facilities and spaces for community gatherings.