Finlay Park — Attraction in Columbia

This was a gem, the jewel of parks in Columbia. It had a cafe above, a wonderful fountain with a beautiful waterfall, a great children's area by the cafe and waterfall area, and a clean pond. Now, none of that is there, though there is a new children's area farther away.

Under the Benjamin administration, it has been allowed to deteriorate greatly, now becoming a homeless hangout and sleeping area. Maybe that is why the city restricted night time citizen use of the park and swings, which were so popular with couples late at night after a play or movie.

The city originally hosted Saturday evening concerts from Memorial to Labor day. But now only about 5 or 6, and every other Saturday. Such a shame, but city says there is no funds for it, though mayor Benjamin did get a salary raise from $17,500 tp $75,000, enough to fund concerts every Saturday. If he did as he promised when he ran to give back half his salary, there still would be enough for weekly concerts.

It should be restored to bring it back to former glory, as it is a great place to walk, play and relax. So much so that I even met people who came from Charleston just to use the park!

Hopefully one day it will be.

New info is now city council wants to sell part of the park to commercial interests. This should effectively kill the park for mass events and evening concerts. Already our mayor has reduced the number of summer...

After one year in being in Columbia, I find Finlay Park one of the best Parks I've frequented. Sidewalks designed for walking, jogging or just for an easy stroll....excellent; benches for rest or simple relaxation....superb; scenic view from the waterfall, is relaxing to the eyes, with a romantic setting. Concerts and festivities are always safe to me, and the variety of people seen and communicated with is always a learned experience. People are people, as I have never had an unpleasant encounter nor bothered experience from the indigent, who also frequent the Park. Their "Rights" as human beings are unquestioned. Quite orderly as everyone has their place. I'm glad that the City Officials of Columbia understands and respect their rights also, which makes it a humane place to be. We are ONE Human Family...regardless. Finally, the best part I've enjoyed of Finlay Park was to lay my blanket under a big shaded tree, set mey refreshments, and read a good book or enjoy my favorite music music through headphones......for hours! (Sometimes falling asleep gets me. LOL)... Total "Peace"! I hear that this Spring and Summer events are going to be even more memorable. I just can't wait ! Thank you City of Columbia, for you've replaced my Northern home with such a great attraction. Gerald AW... New...

I visited Finlay park when I first moved to Columbia about three years ago because of the glowing reviews the place had. I didn't notice, however, that these reviews were from years ago, and the recent reviews warned of a rampant homeless population that all but chased visitors out of the park. I visited the park one afternoon, and that is basically what my experience was. First, I noticed the fountain was not working (and hasn't been working for years now), which was a shame because any pictures you see of the park on Google show a beautiful fountain with an incredible skyline view behind it. Upon entering the park, all I could see was overgrown grass and bushes, and homeless people strewn all around the grounds of the park either sleeping, huddled together, or walking by themselves. I made my way into the park, and was approached by numerous people asking for money. One man even started to get aggressive with me after I told him that I did not. I left shortly after and to this day I have not been back, but I do drive by it on my way to work almost every day. Nothing has changed. I truly hope that the leaders in Columbia can pull their heads out of wherever they are shoved right now and do something about this park. It has so much potential, but in its current state, I wouldn't send my...