Columbia, S.C., September 24, 2025
News Summary
Finlay Park in Columbia will reopen on November 15, 2025, following a $24 million renovation that enhanced safety and recreational facilities. The park features a restored iconic fountain, new amenities including a splash pad and pickleball courts, and improved security measures. City officials aim to balance community revitalization with ongoing challenges related to homelessness, ensuring a welcoming space for all visitors.
Columbia, S.C. – Finlay Park, a cherished green space in the heart of Columbia, is set to reopen on November 15, 2025, after undergoing a comprehensive $24 million renovation that has taken two years to complete. The revitalization of the park aims to address both safety concerns and enhance recreational facilities, inviting families and individuals back to enjoy the revitalized area.
The park, originally opened in the 1990s, has faced numerous challenges, particularly since the park’s iconic fountain ran dry in 2015. Following growing safety concerns and deteriorating conditions, the Columbia City Council approved funding for the renovations in 2022. With these upgrades, the park’s centerpiece, the fountain, has been restored and now includes a waterfall flowing into a newly constructed pond.
Renovations at Finlay Park also introduced several new amenities aimed at enticing visitors. Among the highlights are a splash pad, a hillside playground, outdoor fitness areas, and pickleball courts. Additionally, the park has been equipped with designated spaces for festivals and concerts, alongside enhanced lawn areas for larger events. New strolling gardens and walkways improve accessibility, ensuring that all community members can enjoy the park.
To ensure safety and smooth operations during the park’s reopening, city officials have allocated $2 million for the first year. This budget will fund enhanced security measures, which include park rangers, a police presence, surveillance cameras linked to a real-time crime center, and emergency call boxes. These initiatives aim to restore a sense of security that has previously kept many residents away from the park.
Despite the renovation’s positive strides, challenges remain concerning the park’s historical use as a gathering place for the homeless community. The city has acknowledged this and launched a rapid shelter program in Fall 2022, deploying 50 pallet homes to provide temporary housing for homeless individuals for a 90-day period. Nevertheless, the number of unhoused individuals in Columbia continues to rise, with officials noting a significant shortage of over 14,000 housing units and ongoing needs for addiction and mental health services in the area.
Officials, including Assistant City Manager Henry Simons, underscore the importance of making Finlay Park a welcoming and safe environment for all visitors, balancing the needs of community revitalize while addressing homelessness. Many residents are eager for the park’s reopening, reminiscing about the vibrant community space it once was and looking forward to its future role in enhancing Columbia’s communal life.
Key Features of Finlay Park Renovation
- Reopening Date: November 15, 2025
- Renovation Cost: $24 million
- Iconic Fountain Restoration with Waterfall Feature
- New Amenities: Splash Pad, Hillside Playground, Outdoor Fitness Areas, Pickleball Courts, Festival Space
- Improved Lawn Areas, Strolling Gardens, and Walkways
- Budget for First Year: $2 million
- Enhanced Security: Park Rangers, Police Presence, Surveillance Cameras, Emergency Call Boxes
- Challenges Addressed: Rapid Shelter Program with 50 pallet homes
- Ongoing Issues: Housing Shortage of over 14,000 units
FAQ
When is Finlay Park set to reopen?
Finlay Park is scheduled to reopen on November 15, 2025.
How much did the renovations cost?
The renovations cost over $24 million.
What new features are being added to Finlay Park?
The renovations include a splash pad, hillside playground, outdoor fitness areas, pickleball courts, and designated festival spaces.
What security measures will be implemented?
Enhanced security measures will include park rangers, a police presence, surveillance cameras, and emergency call boxes.
What challenges does the park still face?
The park faces ongoing issues related to homelessness, including a shortage of housing units and the need for addiction and mental health services.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | November 15, 2025 |
| Renovation Cost | $24 million |
| Iconic Fountain | Restored with waterfall feature |
| Amenities | Splash pad, hillside playground, outdoor fitness areas, pickleball courts |
| Security Budget | $2 million for the first year |
| New Features | Festival spaces and improved walkways |
| Ongoing Challenge | Housing shortage of over 14,000 units |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Irmo Town Council Greenlights Water Walk Development Expansion
Irmo Town Council Evaluates Water Walk Development Expansion
Columbia, SC Welcomes Major Developments and Openings
Columbia Launches $50 Million Downtown Revitalization
Columbia Unveils Major Downtown Redevelopment Plans
Columbia’s Food Truck Fridays Showcase Local Cuisine
Columbia Implements 5% Water and Sewer Rate Hike
Columbia Allocates $2 Million for Finlay Park Renovations
Columbia Seeks Local Artists for Finlay Park Sculpture Exhibition
Additional Resources
- WACH: Something to be Proud Of – Finlay Park Reopening
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- WLTX: Columbia Finlay Park Grand Reopening
- Google Search: Finlay Park Columbia South Carolina
- The State: Finlay Park News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Finlay Park Hiring Event
- Google News: Finlay Park Hiring Event
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