About: Finlay has two playground areas, a man-made lake, waterfalls, a fountain, playing fields, a pergola with swings, and a snack bar that is open in the summer. This is one of the largest handicapped accessible parks in the country. The paved paths are also ideal for strollers. Finlay Park is an oasis in the heart of downtown Columbia. It has been the venue of choice for a number of events from festivals and political rallies to road races and Easter sunrise services. Park reconstruction is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2025.
This beautiful 18-acre park has had two lives. It was first dedicated in 1859 as Sidney Park, named in honor of Algernon Sidney Johnson, a Columbia city councilman. Sidney Park had a short life as the Civil War broke out soon after. The park fell into disrepair after the Civil War and served as a site for commercial ventures until the late 1900’s. In 1990 the park was reopened and has become a beautiful diamond in the downtown area, offering a green oasis in contrast to the glass, asphalt and concrete in the urban environment. In 1992 the park was renamed Finlay Park, in honor of Kirkman Finlay, Mayor of Columbia whose vision was to re-energize the area known as the Vista, between Main Street and the river.
Location: The park is situated between the streets of Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden and Laurel. It is across the street from the Governor’s Mansion at 930 Laurel Street. Telephone: (803) 733-8691.
Link: https://parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/regionalparks/
Hours: Park reconstruction is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2025.
