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Finlay Park

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vampirefan
vampirefan
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5 out of 5
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1
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Finlay Park

  • March 23, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Finlay Park

For one of the best views of Columbia or simply a place to stretch out underneath the Carolina blue skies, just head near downtown to Finlay Park.

The park itself is over 150 years old. It was constructed in 1859 and was then named Sidney Park for Columbia councilman, Algemon Sidney Johnson. The park only enjoyed being one of the crown jewels of Columbia before the war broke out. After the fighting stopped and life began to return back to the city, the park was left to just sit. As the city grew around it just sat unused and overlooked occasionally being used for commercial ventures.

Amazingly enough it was not until 1990 that is was given its second wind. Former Mayor, Kirman Finlay, decided to revitalize this end of the city and along with it, the park. It was renamed Finlay Park in honor of the man who had the vision to look past the neglected park and see something special.

Today this gorgeous 18 acre park is once again a jewel in the city’s crown. The park has played host from everything from festivals, political rallies, and the popular Easter sunrise services. There is even a bronzed statue on the grounds of the Mayor.

The park is the setting for some of the most popular events in Columbia including Columbia Kid’s Day. The summer concert series, Shakespeare Theater, Let’s Share, and more. Many large scale concerts are held here each year ranging from large national acts to local favorites and cover a variety of musical tastes.

The park features 2 play grounds, fountains, a playing field, a pergola with swings, a large man-made lake with a paved path around it, and a snack bar in the summer. It is one of the largest handicapped accessible parks in the country. The stunning backdrop of this park consists of a series of waterfalls that flow out to the lake. Then there is the unbelievable view of the Columbia skyline. The view from top of the waterfall is worth coming if you do nothing else in the park.

And the view and waterfalls are mainly why I came here. It was getting late and the weather wasn’t the best and it was cold so I didn’t spend a tremendous time exploring this beauty. But what time I was here I was in heaven. Yet, despite the not so agreeable weather, I still saw families and couples out strolling, kids playing and rolling on the grounds, and people out walking their pets. I was so amazed to see so many people on this day out enjoying the park.

For more information on the park and the facilities you can visit them on the web at www.columbiasc.net then click on parks.

Even if you can only stay a short while I encourage every one to take time, leave the city behind, and soak up the beauty of this oasis amid concrete.

From journal Columbia... More than a Historical Capital

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