City of Columbia celebrates grand re-opening of Finlay Park

A restored destination for community, culture, recreation, and connection

The City of Columbia proudly celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of Finlay Park on Saturday, November 15, 2025, marking the completion of a transformative revitalization of one of the region’s most cherished public spaces. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at 10:00 a.m. at the main stage and oval green space, followed by a full day of live music, recreation and community celebration.

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, District II Councilman Edward McDowell Jr., City Manager Teresa Wilson, Assistant City Manager Henry Simons, the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department, representatives of Mashburn Construction, public partners, and community members joined together to officially open the park.

“We promised the people of Columbia that we would restore and protect Finlay Park, and today we celebrate a promise delivered. We invested $25 million to bring back our city’s crown jewel, ensuring the iconic cascading fountain flows again,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “By implementing enhanced safety systems, lighting, and on-site public safety offices, we ensured this space is secure and welcoming for every family, resident, and visitor of the Capital City. Finlay Park is once again a safe, vibrant epicenter for community, culture, and connectivity that serves as a monument to what we can achieve when we work together.”

“Together, with community support, our elected leadership over the years, hard work and dedication, we have embarked upon this next exciting chapter for Finlay Park,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “We are proud of the park’s welcoming, fun and safe atmosphere.”

“What was once a dream is now a destination again,” said Assistant City Manager Henry Simons. “Finlay Park’s rebirth reminds us that renewal is possible when vision meets commitment.”

The roughly $25 million revitalization project represents strategic investment in community life and downtown vibrancy. In partnership with Mashburn Construction and the design and planning team, the City completed extensive improvements including:

• Restoration of the iconic cascading fountainflowing into a redesigned pond and amenity stream
  • A new performance stage designed to host concerts, festivals and cultural events
  • Expanded Green Space and flexible open spaces for gatherings, recreation, yoga, picnics and programming
  • Destination playground with inclusive play features suitable for multiple ages and abilities
  • Interactive splash pad for children and families to enjoy during warm weather
  • Strolling gardens and accessible walking loops around the upper and lower park levels
  • Overlook Plaza featuring one of the most scenic skyline views in the City of Columbia
  • Shaded seating areas, picnic tables, lawn seating and quiet reflection spaces
  • Restroom facilities, hospitality spaces, and on-site offices for Park Rangers, Columbia Police officers and programming staff
  • Prisma Health Fitness Court, pickle ball courts and ping-pong play areas to encourage casual recreation and community fun
  • Enhanced lighting, sightlines, emergency call boxes and camera safety systems throughout the park
  • Improved accessibility, walkways and connectivity to surrounding streets, neighborhoods and parking options

“Mashburn Construction is honored to contribute to the revitalization of Finlay Park,” said Assistant Superintendent of Mashburn Construction, Lee Gaymon. “The City’s leadership established a clear vision for this project and fulfilling that vision required extensive coordination—from restoring the park’s historic features to introducing new amenities that will serve residents and visitors for generations. As part of the construction process, we’ve integrated thoughtful safety-enhancing elements into the park’s design and infrastructure, supporting a secure, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all who visit Finlay Park.”

The grand re-opening celebration also featured recreation activities, local food vendors and live performances presented by the Jam Room Music Festival. The celebration continues today on Sunday, November 16 with the Day Two Festival, showcasing a full lineup of local and national artists. Both events are free and open to the public.

To support easy access to the park throughout the weekend, The COMET is providing shuttle service from the Taylor Street Parking Deck and the PJ Cannon Garage. Shuttles drop off at the main entrance of Finlay Park on Taylor Street.

Finlay Park once again stands as a gathering place in the heart of downtown Columbia. Together, We Are Columbia.

For more information about Finlay Park, please visit http://FinlayPark.ColumbiaSC.gov.