Columbia’s Finlay Park won’t allow most backpacks, purses. Why the clear bag policy?
Columbia will re-open downtown’s Finlay Park for the first time in years Nov. 15, but you won’t be allowed to bring your backpack, purse, picnic basket or other opaque bag. The city says there will be a standing clear-bag policy at the park.
The policy would be for every day, not just for special events.
Already, the policy is proving unpopular among residents who say they’d like to picnic at the park, take family photos or just swing by on a nice day.
The city’s Facebook post about the clear bag policy had nearly 600 comments as of Monday afternoon.
The public disconnect with the new rules is an early hiccup in the city’s desire to see the renovated park strike a balance between public space and event venue. Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson said on most days, there will be something happening at the park, whether that’s a major concert or a smaller event.
“This isn’t the park that [people] knew before, it’s so much more,” Wilson told The State.
Wilson said the park has the capacity to host up to 30,000 people for large events.
What happens if I bring an unauthorized bag to the park?
City leaders say the bag policy will not be aggressively enforced while people are still adjusting to the new rules.
“You would be educated,” and your bag would be subject to a search by park staff, but you wouldn’t be told to leave the park if you carried in something on the list of prohibited bags, Wilson said.
The city is planning giveaways during the park’s re-opening weekend, and those giveaways will include clear backpacks and tote bags, Wilson added.
What bags are allowed?
The city modified its list of approved bags slightly, but the policy remains largely the same. Opaque wristlets, clutches or cross-body bags smaller than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches will be allowed, as will diaper or medical bags no larger than 12x6x12 inches.
The city will also permit laptops in non-clear sleeves or protective cases, and asks that visitors with camera bags check with a park ranger upon entering the park.
Otherwise, the city is asking visitors to the park to come with clear totes, backpacks or fanny packs.
Larger purses, trash bags, regular backpacks, totes, hard-sided coolers and other non-clear bags won’t be allowed.
Folding chairs and blankets will be permitted at the park.
Holbrook said that many other Columbia venues also have clear bag policies and residents have generally adjusted to those rules.
“This is a very unique venue, in my opinion, but again, being the capital city and home of our flagship university, people are very, very acclimated to clear bag policies and having rules specific to specific venues,” Holbrook said.
What’s the city’s rationale for the new policy?
“With all of the unfortunate events we’ve seen across the country, we are trying to take proactive measures,” Wilson said.
The clear bag policy is intended to keep weapons, drugs and alcohol out of the park, added Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook.
“The flip side of, if we didn’t do this, then I’m sure ... heaven forbid something would ever happen, then the question would have been, why hadn’t we done certain things?” Wilson added.
Despite the public distaste for the policy, Wilson Monday issued a statement doubling down on the new clear bag rules. That statement noted that the city expected to get feedback on the clear bag policy and that the city is “now reviewing” what resident have had to say about it.
Wilson’s statement notes that the city expected to get feedback on the clear bag policy, and that the city is “now reviewing” what residents have had to say about the move. But despite that feedback, the city is keeping the clear bag policy and doesn’t have plans to walk it back anytime soon.
“While we are receptive and responsive to our citizens and visitors regarding what they need to enjoy the myriad of new amenities Finlay Park will provide, it is also our responsibility to balance these needs and align them with public safety requirements ... I know these decisions will make even more sense as our citizens and visitors experience the secure and welcoming atmosphere we are working extremely hard to create,” Wilson’s statement reads.
Some residents have theorized that the bag policy is meant as a deterrent to Columbia’s homeless population. Wilson has said the rules are not targeted at any specific group and are meant to keep weapons and illegal substances out of the park.
What will security look like at the park?
Columbia has spent close to $25 million to resuscitate the long-dilapidated park located between Laurel and Taylor Streets, south of Assembly Street downtown. Early steps to protect that investment include hiring full-time security and stationing designated police officers at the park.
The city Sunday started employing 24-hour security at the park.
Columbia’s ability to protect it’s $25 million investment is already being tested. Over the weekend, Finlay Park construction workers found spray-painted graffiti on one of the new park buildings.
Chief Holbrook said the spray paint wasn’t significant, and called it “silly artwork,” but noted that once the park is fully open, he expects the city’s security measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We’re hoping that this activation, and this 24-hour security that’s now in place, will prevent anybody from thinking about doing anything like that moving forward,” Holbrook said.
Does the city see Finlay Park as a public park or event venue?
City leaders say the newly renovated Finlay Park will be different from how people may remember the park before it was closed for construction.
Now, the city is hoping to see the park used as more than just a public green space, but also as a rentable event venue.
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann has spoken before about seeing the park’s renovation as an opportunity to better leverage the sweeping downtown space for large events. “You’re going to have a very activated park,” he previously said. “We have a director who, all he’s doing there now is setting up events... everything from yoga classes, caterings, events, concerts, plays, movie nights, all types of events.” That event-forward mindset will be on full display at Finlay Park’s grand re-opening weekend. The city is hosting two days of live music and other festivities Nov. 15 and 16, starting with hosting Columbia’s annual Jam Room music festival, which has for years been held on Main Street. The city is hosting a second day of music, with folk group Shovels & Rope headlining, Nov. 16.
This story was originally published November 11, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
