Finley Park - Columbia, South Carolina - Large Picturesque Park

Finley Park is an 18 acre picturesque site situated between the streets of Assembly, Taylor, Gadsden and Laurel in Columbia, South Carolina. The park has free entry and is open each day from 7am to 9pm. It is possibly one of the best known parks in South Carolina and plays host to many events such as festivals, road races and political rallies.

It was originally known as Sidney Park when it was first dedicated in 1859 in honor of Algernon Sidney Johnson, who was a councilor in the city. The first incarnation of the park was sadly short lived as the Civil War soon followed in 1861. When the war ended the park was largely left alone and it fell into disrepair, with the site only being used for commercial ventures for much of the 20th century.

The park began a second life when it was reopened in 1990 to provide a striking contrast to the glass, asphalt and concrete jungle of the city. It was not until 1992 that it inherited the name of a former Mayor of Columbia, Kirkman Finley. Finley was keen to reenergize the area with a beautiful green oasis and decided to renovate the site at the former Sidney Park.

The late Kirkman Finley has now been immortalized in the form of a bronze statue, which shows him sitting on a park bench surveying all around him. Visitors will note that the spelling of his name varies in different parts of the park. There seems to be some confusion as to whether the name should be spelt Finley or Finlay, so many of the official signs use the two different spellings.

There are plenty of things for people of all ages to do and see at the park. For children there are two playgrounds areas, playing fields and the paved footpaths are ideal for parents to push strollers along. Visitors can also enjoy the water features such as the waterfall, fountains and a man made lake.

The park is also very accessible for handicapped people, and is recognized as being one of the largest in the country to facilitate the needs of the handicapped. Public parks are obviously a good place for a family picnic, and many people chose to have their lunch on the expanse of grass in the park. There is a snack bar on site as well, which is only open during the summer months.

The entire park and the Columbia skyline can be observed from porch-type swings, which are situated at the top of the park. It frequently holds free concerts and festivals, which draw in many more visitors.

Visitors to the park have stated in their reviews that it is a glorious place to visit. Whether it is just to sit and relax and take in the views, taking the dog for a walk or having a picnic, people suggest it is one of the best places to visit in Columbia. The man made waterfall is a feature reviewers particularly enjoyed.