Flat Branch Park — Attraction in Columbia Township

Beautiful park and trails, but unfortunately, many homeless people everywhere...camped out in every alcove on steps, sleeping on benches, and occupying the cast iron tables & chairs. I've seen them pee in the bushes, doing drugs.......

I still walk my dog through the park on the trails and we've never had a problem....but last week, I was giving Gracie(my dog) water using a public doggie fountain when I realized that the man standing 3 feet in front of the fountain with his back to us ....was peeing in the bushes. Yuck.

In spite of all the homeless "residents", 100s of citizens enjoy the park daily as it was designed for bike riding, walking, jogging, picnicking, and playing. Last week, 8 children wrestled & ran through the water spouts of the splash pad, laughing and squealing with delight....staying cool in spite of the heat. Next to the fountains, more children (sweaty, rosy-cheeked and smiling) played on the playground while their parents (also sweaty and rosy-cheeked from the heat) supervised from benches in the shade of nearby trees.

The college and or college housing (historic district & architecture) sprawls about...just a block away in every direction. Lots to enjoy, just be aware of your...

Nice downtown park. Safe in daylight hours. Park hours not posted but not 24/7 as currently listed. Could be listed "announces" Bear creek trailhead. Park parking restrictions (photo) make this an undesirable point.

-No Amenities -(water fountain with dog dish) -Very very nice kids play fountain ⛲ -So-so prefab play area (slide, no swing)

One of best downtown parks anyplace. Minus one star over parking (others may feel this is short of a "best" park too/other reasons)

Occasionally will spot a homeless refugee. Still safe day areas. Best to park in a grocery lot catacorner of park (Hardees restaurant currently visible Providence blvd). (also Photo'd 24May2018- sign missing 2 of 3 letters; I can recall others noting missing letters...

I went at night. It was an absolutely beautiful night. There were others enjoying the trail also. The flower bushes smelled amazing. Every time I came across one of the big bushes with the big white flowers I had to stop and smell them, I'm sorry I don't know the name...but I wish I did. So yea it was a great night, perfect temperature, it was clean, the flowers etc. smelled so refreshing and relaxing. There are plenty of places to sit and chill. If you're looking for a nice chill place to walk after work this is a good one. Just my...