City of Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson releases statement regarding Finlay Park Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and families will always remain our highest priority. Since announcing the Unaccompanied Minors Policy for Finlay Park, we have received significant feedback from community members, parents, stakeholders, and public safety partners. We appreciate the thoughtful engagement and the overwhelming support for our efforts to maintain a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment in one of Columbia’s most cherished public spaces.

After carefully reviewing that feedback, we have revised the policy to require that any person seventeen (17) years of age or younger be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult who must be twenty-five (25) years of age or older when entering or remaining in Finlay Park after 5:00 p.m.

This adjustment was suggested by many and reflects our commitment to listening to our community while strengthening accountability and active supervision within the park. While age 21 represents legal adulthood / independence, age 25 is more widely accepted as the age when more responsibility and accountability are expected in decision-making. Our goal is not to limit opportunities for young people to enjoy Finlay Park and City events, but rather to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy these public spaces and the many activities they offer.

We remain committed to working alongside residents, families, community organizations, and public safety partners to preserve Finlay Park as a safe, welcoming destination for all. As we move forward, we will continue evaluating our policies and making adjustments when appropriate to best serve the needs of our community.

-Teresa Wilson, City of Columbia City Manager

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS POLICY at Finlay Park

Effective Date: June 21, 2026
Revised: June 24, 2026

The safety and well-being of all visitors to Finlay Park and City of Columbia Parks is a top priority. To promote a safe and family-friendly environment, any person seventeen (17) years of age or younger must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult who must be twenty-five (25) years of age or older to enter or remain in Finlay Park after 5:00 p.m. seven (7) days per week.

This policy shall be in effect seven (7) days per week, and may be modified for special events, permitted activities, or other circumstances as determined by the Director of Parks and Recreation or their designee.

Park staff, security personnel, or law enforcement officers may request proof of age or identification when necessary to enforce this policy. Individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide requested information may be denied entry or required to leave the park.

Any adult serving as a chaperone must remain within the park and actively supervise the minors in their care at all times. A minimum ratio of one (1) adult chaperone for every five (5) minors shall be maintained. Groups exceeding five (5) minors must provide additional adult chaperones to maintain the required ratio.

Minors may be required to provide the name and telephone number of their parent, legal guardian, or supervising adult upon request by park staff, security personnel, or law enforcement officers. The City reserves the right to verify such information as necessary.

Any minor engaging in prohibited conduct, including but not limited to fighting, disorderly conduct, vandalism, harassment, trespassing, destruction of property, violation of park rules, or other disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the park. If the minor fails to comply, law enforcement will be contacted. Serious violations may result in involvement of law enforcement and/or issuance of a trespass notice as permitted by law.

Organized group activities, including school-sponsored events, church groups, summer camps, athletic events, corporate outings, and other pre-approved programs, as well as minors engaged in employment or internships, are exempt from this policy when operating under established supervision and chaperone procedures.

Notice of this policy shall be posted at park entrances, on the City of Columbia website, the Finlay Park website, and through other communication methods deemed appropriate by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Director of Parks and Recreation or their designee, in consultation with the Chief of Police and/or City Administration, may grant exceptions to modify or temporarily suspend this policy when circumstances warrant.