Impressed with the intentional use of space! We made a day trip to Columbia, SC and needed to stretch our legs and burn some energy. Finlay Park offers a GREAT playground with slides, rope ladders, climbing limbs, splash pad, and turf slide. Plenty of room to relax or log a few steps. There is a beautiful water fountain, grotto and pond where they offer sailboat rentals . There is also 2 miles of sidewalk and pathways for walking or taking advantage of the roller skate rentals they offer. Not to mention pickleball courts, ping pong, soccer goals, and fitness court. A round of applause to the City of Columbia for this amazing recreational and public space. read more

Finlay Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I'm so excited that I finally got to check out the new Finlay Park! I had heard nothing but good things about it from those who attended the grand re-opening, so my expectations were set pretty high... well, I can say that it certainly did not disappoint! First and foremost, I must say that it was simply awesome to see the signature water sculpture flowing and spinning again. That alone went a long way in restoring the signature feel of the park. Furthermore, I absolutely loved the landscaping below the fountain, which consisted of a small stream running through some perfectly manicured rocks and bushes. In addition to the landscaping, I absolutely loved the modern artwork that was incorporated into the park. There was a beautiful yet funky mural that was created by a Columbia-raised artist, and the park also had some really cool 21st-century sculptures, most of which directly represented the state of South Carolina and the city of Columbia. The park also had a really cool calisthenic workout station, which looked perfect for a complete bodyweight workout session, as well as pickleball courts that anybody can play on. Moreover, although I do not have children myself, the park looked like the perfect place for kids to run around for hours and hours. From what I could see, there was a huge climbing platform, two (2) enormous slides, multiple sets of different types of swings, and, what appeared to be a hill that the kids could slide down using burlap sacks. 10-year-old me would have marveled at the quality of this playground! Finally, there was a huge platform stage to hold concerts on, and a nice, well-manicured plain of grass for attendees to watch and enjoy on. All-in-all, I can't say enough good things about the re-opening of Finlay Park, and I'll be excited to come back for days and years to come! read more

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This has been beautifully done, and there is so much space and things to do. I like the workout area where you can work out outside, the dog area, the slide is insane and my toddler loves it, but I fear for her every time she slides down on cardboard on this thing. But it is a pretty unique way to look at it. I like the double slides for the kids and the areas that are set for specific age groups. The amphitheater they moved it from where it was near the beginning of the park to the center and it is in a perfect position. Finlay Fridays is one of the days we went out there and we enjoyed the live music. We've also just gone out to enjoy the park and love that too. It's great to see small businesses out there selling their products as well. read more

We spent some time at Finlay Park with Olivia, Joel, and Jordan, and it turned out to be such a fun and easy outing. The kids had an absolute blast sliding down the big grass hill, honestly, that alone kept them entertained for a while! The playground area was great for them to run around and burn off energy, and everything felt pretty open and relaxed. One of the highlights was definitely the waterfall, it added a really nice touch to the park and made the whole place feel a little more special. read more

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Wow this renovated park was probably the nicest park that I have ever seen! There are ping pong tables, pickleball court, huge slides, multiple playgrounds for various ages, outdoor fitness area, stage, waterfall, sculpture garden, huge walking trail, and a fun 'amazon box top' hill sled. The bathrooms were also super clean and it appears that during the day you can also purchase food and rent equipment. One funny thing we did notice is that the signs stated that the kids areas are only for ages 2-12, and the fitness areas said you have to be 14+. So what do you do if you are 13 ??? Also note that the park has a 'clear bag' policy for safety. We took some cute family photos here, even at night. Wish that we had a beautiful park like this where I live! read more

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I'm enchanted by the park renovations. It's now my new favorite park. There's so much life! People picnicking, playing pickleball, roller skating, sliding down grass, playing ping pong, people watching, strolling the art paths, etc. It's all amazing and feels very safe. There's a ranger station and security. The fountain is running again, and there's little waterfall features, stages, and plenty of open space. I would take visitors to this park and not be embarrassed. Definitely worth a visit! read more

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The new renovations and absolutely phenomenal. Tons of space for picnics, pickleball, concerts, food trucks, roller blading/ bikes and running path as well. The bathrooms are clean and the architecture/landscaping is beautiful. I can't wait for my son to grow up coming here!! read more

Finlay Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Came here today to meet up with an old coworker, walk and just catch up. I heard this park recently reopened- there were a lot of police present and felt super safe. State of the art playground for the kiddos as well so I'll for sure have to bring them back. There is limited free parking at the top of the hill as well, which weekends it may be harder to get but overall very well kept- no homeless issue from what I saw today and a nice space the whole family can enjoy. read more

The newly renovated park looks amazing! We had so much fun and my kids are already begging to go back! From slides, to skating, to swings, and pickleball - I'm so excited that we can enjoy the park again! read more

Finlay Park - Fountain - Parks Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Beautiful park and handicap friendly. Thank you Columbia! Pickle ball, rollerblade, walking track amazing read more

Finlay Park - Waterfall - Parks Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The park is so lovely with the upgraded facilities it offers. Excellent views and great family friendly facilities!

Finlay Park redo is beautiful and has returned to it's original glory. Great park to visit and great place to spend an afternoon.

Half of the park was beautiful & great to walk around but the other half is home to a large group of homeless people. I did not have any issues walking around but can see why this impacts the usefulness of the park. The water was pretty but on a hot summer day I did not stay long read more

Finlay Park - Parks Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Came by last night to see what all they hype was as I was passing by. I heard the music and saw the lights going. I didn't get to spend too much time there because I couldn't find close parking. I guess I will have to update my review once I actually spend time at the park. read more

Very good place to visit with family n friends. I have always enjoyed the experience. Up grades made so l must schedule a visit!!

Been there many times to enjoy lunch or just a weekend getaway outdoor with my 4 years old. IMHO the park got better over time with its gorgeous man-made waterfalls (also a very popular family photo back drop...see attached photos), lake surrounding pathways and much cleaner playgrounds and picnic areas. Yes there are still plenty of homeless people hanging around (as in any other city I've visited) but they will not bother you and they usually cluster in just few spots. Speaking of people without a home go visit the eye opening inspirational exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art (two blocks away from Finlay Park)... read more

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Hmmm...there was an overwhelming amount of homeless people on a Sunday afternoon. Trash and loiters were in the parking lot so we opted to park on the street. My son enjoyed the playground and the walk around the park. The park is beautiful but needs some maintenance. I would visit again. read more

About a couple years back when I was 16, me and my friends went to Finlay park to take pictures. I brought my expensive camera (didn't seem like an issue at the time), and wound up getting chased by a homeless man. Me and my friends were chased of the park and he stopped after that, but that was a terrifying experience. All the people just stood by and watched too! Haven't been to the park since. Moral of the story, you probably don't want to go to this park. read more

This park has gone downhill majorly. It is sad to see, as I remember it when the fountains and waterfall worked! It used to be a nice park to explore with all sorts of nice hiking trails through the trees and up the hills. It used to have good concerts and music festivals, like Fallout..(I'm showing my age) but I know people remember that! I went to the amphitheater for a play and that was still nice but I noticed that they had gotten rid of all the swings that used to be at the top of the park. I guess too many homeless people slept on them? I'm sure they are going to sell the property soon and build more dang apartments...sad. read more

Looks like a cool park but it's pretty much a homeless camp all around the park, at least that what I've seen the two or three times I've been. I wouldn't feel safe taking my family here and you get asked for money by some sketchy folks. read more

Just read the the other reviews. 100% of what they say is true. I used to go here as a kid. Now I would be scared for my life if I was there alone. Just take the park down already. It's an eye sore. read more

Finlay Park on a Saturday Night! This a great venue for any city! Free Music in a Nice City Park! Wow! Columbia should be applauded for this. A nice safe place to hang out on a Saturday night, enjoy the company of an eclectic group of people, with an enjoyable group of musicians playing their hearts out! Life is good in the citay! Bring your lawn chairs or blanket, spread out in the nice grassy areas and enjoy the free music. This is a nice park with several areas of interest- nice little lake, plenty of running water to sit by, nice fountain to photograph, nice play area for the kiddo's... The list goes on and on! The people were friendly and well behaved- I did see three of Columbia's finest on patrol- it look like they were having a good time also! I will definitely try this again- pack up our beach chairs, fix a little cooler box, and try some R&R at the park! read more

This is a small park near downtown Columbia. This park is pretty nice and it shows that the city is trying. However, when I was there the fountain had smelly green water flowing through it. Also this place seems to be a homeless persons hangout or home. This does provide some nice green space for the residents of Columbia as well as a nice view of downtown skyline. Another negative is the metered parking. read more

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Great stuff. Took my children there plus many of their freinds to take prom pictures. The only negative was the parking. But its a great place to hang out and take some pictures. read more

It was so great and safe please even you can see police there , I love it it's good place to take your family or girl friend I do enjoy it yesterday. read more

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It's a fun park to walk your dog, play Frisbee, attend a live music event or go jogging but don't go by yourself after dark. Many homeless people mill around and will badger you for money. During the day it's great though! read more

While this place is aesthetically pleasing with the pond and landscaping, there are way too many hobos. I feel completely unsafe (with my full grown dog), even during the day. read more

Finley park has a fountain on the west side of the park where there are swings, the fountain is not working. The grass is nice, and the pond is full of dead rooting fish. A good amount of homeless people hanging around the park. May not be the best place to go visit. read more

Finlay park used to be nice, beautiful, unique, fun, kept up and clean. The city has really let this park go. Now there are more homeless than squirrels. Waterfalls no longer work, bricks and pavers are a hazard, and the playground was torn out. The smell of the stagnant water was close to unbearable. It's hard to believe that within a few years how the environment has changed here. The size and location are great. Do NOT go here. read more

This "park" is a joke! The bathrooms are F I L T H Y!!!! Nice pic some of you took, but those are the ONLY "nice" spots there!! The water in the "pond" is filthy in EVERY way. The park is NOT easily assessable(?), with a MILLION steps EVERYWHERE into/out of the park! Whoever designed this park was MENTAL !?! There's sprinklers sticking out of the ground where there's NO GRASS. The "waterfall" doesn't work, because they can't afford the part needed. There's a "jazz club" that's NEVER open, but the lights are on 24/7....has to be a tax write-off (tax fraud), for the owner. Smells of urine EVERYWHERE! JEEZ! read more

Beautiful park! Creatively designed. Just not the place to stop with toddlers for a break on a long trip. The playground is at the bottom of 10,000 steps. The bathrooms are at the top. Really? It was surreal because as all parents know - as soon as you hit the playground the toddler who is newly potty trained will have to poop. It wasn't a pleasant climb back 10,000 steps! read more