Marshall Park

Natural Oasis

Located in the Earlewood neighborhood of Columbia, South Carolina, Marshall Park offers a breath of fresh air spanning roughly 11.9 acres. Bordered by Lincoln, Union, Florence, and Richfield Streets, this compact community space packs a surprising natural punch.

What makes this park special is its lush canopy of trees and undulating landscape that creates a woodland retreat right in the middle of the city. If you're lucky (and perhaps a bit patient), you might catch glimpses of rabbits, deer, or even foxes meandering through, depending on when you visit. The rolling hills aren't just pretty to look at - they become natural playgrounds where kids can let their imaginations run wild.

Play Areas & Recreation

The park got a nice facelift in 2021 when the City of Columbia's Parks and Recreation Department stepped in with some thoughtful renovations. The upgrade brought in some seriously cool playground and climbing equipment that's been a hit with the neighborhood kids.

The playground boasts two eye-catching climbing structures with an unusual hexagonal/octagonal design that seems to captivate children's attention. You'll find two regular swings available for the little ones, however heads up - there aren't any baby swings in the mix. What makes this play area work so well is how the purpose-built equipment complements the natural hills, creating a play experience that appeals to kids of different ages.

What to Expect

Marshall Park keeps things refreshingly simple. You won't find fancy facilities here - just a green space that lets nature do the talking. A handful of benches are scattered throughout, including one particularly generous bench that locals have adopted as an impromptu picnic spot.

Note that there aren't any restrooms or designated picnic areas here, so you might want to plan accordingly if you're thinking about a longer visit.

Neighborhood Favorite

There's something calming about this little park that draws people in throughout the day. Its quiet atmosphere provides a welcome escape from the busier parks downtown, making it excellent for anyone needing a moment of peace.

Dog owners particularly appreciate the open spaces for walking their four-legged friends. Nestled within historic Earlewood, the park adds significant value to the neighborhood, giving residents easy access to a slice of nature and outdoor recreation just steps from their homes.