Gills Creek Memorial Park

A New Chapter for Gills Creek

Gills Creek Memorial Park sits in Forest Acres, just outside Columbia, South Carolina. Opened in April 2024, this park marks a recovery for an area that was hit hard by the devastating floods of 2015.

Before becoming the peaceful retreat it is today, this spot along Gills Creek was flood-prone land where businesses once stood until nature had other plans. The transformation didn't come cheap - a $3 million investment made possible through a combination of state government funds, SCDOT contributions, and local hospitality taxes.

What You'll Find There

Despite its modest size, this park packs in plenty to enjoy. The wooden boardwalk is our favorite spot - it stretches alongside the creek, giving you a fantastic perch to watch the water flow by or try your luck with a fishing rod.

The views of Gills Creek are genuinely lovely, providing a little piece of nature in the midst of suburban life. If you're looking for fresh local goods, stop by on Wednesday afternoons when the weekly farmers market brings the community together.

Got kids? They'll make a beeline for the splash pad, which offers welcome relief during South Carolina's warmer months. Pack a lunch and make a day of it - the open green spaces are well-suited for spreading out a blanket and enjoying some outdoor time.

Music lovers should keep an eye out for events at the small performance stage, where acoustic shows and community performances add a soundtrack to this peaceful setting.

Honoring Those Who Served

Beyond recreation, the park holds deeper meaning through its memorial to fallen police officers. It specifically honors two Forest Acres Police Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice: Richey O'Brian Finch in 1974 and Greg Alia in 2015.

Open from sunrise to sunset, Gills Creek Memorial Park has quickly become a place where the community can come together, whether for quiet reflection, family fun, or simply enjoying a moment of peace by the water.