Finlay Park reopens soon after a $25 million facelift. How will it be protected?
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The State Endorsements
Early voting for Columbia’s Nov. 4 elections has begun, and the special election in Lexington County in State House District 88 is Oct. 21 with a potential runoff election Nov. 4. Here are The McClatchy South Carolina Editorial Board’s endorsements.
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The State endorsement: Our choice in the SC House District 88 Republican primary
The State endorsement: Our choice in the Columbia mayor’s race
The State endorsement: Our choice in the at-large Columbia City Council race
The State endorsement: Our choice in the Columbia City Council District Four race
The State endorsement: Our choice in the Columbia City Council District One race
With the Nov. 4 election and the Nov. 15 reopening of Finlay Park right around the corner in Columbia, I asked candidates for mayor and City Council how they would maximize and protect Finlay Park after its $25 million renovation.
Here are their comments on what could be the crown jewel of Columbia, which has been closed for years following a rash of crime and a fall into disrepair.
(You can read my entire candidate interviews in Council District One, Council District Four and the races for at-large Council and mayor by clicking on the pertinent links in this sentence. I also asked candidates about public safety, housing affordability, economic development and other issues.)
City Council District One
Councilwoman Tina Herbert: In the early 2000s, I often spent my lunch breaks at Finlay Park. When it reopens, I plan to return regularly. Beyond that, we must budget for security and maintenance to keep the park vibrant and welcoming.
Christa Williams: When elected, I will advocate for the protection of Finlay Park by the implementation of ordinances and requirements that make the park and surrounding communities safer. I will ensure that we designate adequate funding each year to maintain the park and look at ways that we can consistently improve the park’s environmental footprint by working with local conservation groups.
City Council District Four
Councilman Peter M. Brown: A: It is our largest investment and just like Mays Park, and it will really offer something for everyone on a daily basis and other programmed events. I expect it to also help advance and develop our plans for more in town living.
Julie Lumpkin: If we have $25 million to renovate, part of the renovation budget or another provision in the city budget should be allocated to an on-site security presence at Finlay Park (if not already) so that people can be assured of their safety while there.
With the grand opening of the park on Nov. 15, I expect much publicity around safety as the public is invited back to enjoy its amenities. I would ensure we have a plan to secure a safety presence long-term. As frequent as our live shooter incidents are now, I would also establish active shooter protocols and designated safe harbors. We will need to publicize no weapons or firearms in the park, and CPD uniformed officers should be visible on site. With the appearance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in our nation’s communities, we will want to allay anxieties around unfamiliar law enforcement presence.
Ashley McCall: Finlay Park is more than just green space; it’s a landmark that reflects the pride and vitality of Columbia. A $25 million renovation is a major investment, and we have to protect it by ensuring the park stays safe, welcoming, and well-maintained for decades to come.
First, we need a long-term maintenance and security plan. Too often, we invest heavily in upgrades but don’t allocate enough resources for ongoing upkeep. I’d prioritize funding for regular cleaning, landscaping, lighting and safety measures, as well as a strong presence of community-centered security so families feel comfortable using the space.
Second, to truly maximize the park, we need programming that draws people in and keeps the space alive, concerts, festivals, farmers markets, youth activities and fitness programs. Parks thrive when people use them, and community driven events will help Finlay Park stay vibrant.
Finally, I’d focus on equity and accessibility. The park should be a gathering place for all residents, regardless of background or neighborhood, with safe public transit access, ADA-compliant design, and affordable or free activities that ensure everyone feels included. Protecting Finlay Park means treating it as a living investment in community health, recreation and civic pride. If we get this right, the park can be a model for how Columbia approaches public spaces across the city.
At-large City Council
Councilwoman Aditi Bussells: We must ensure Finlay Park never falls back into the years of neglect we saw previously. I am committed to keeping it safe, well-maintained and active every day, with dedicated park rangers, public safety officers, a clear maintenance plan and ongoing programming.
From the start, we leveraged the city’s own talent, and planners, builders and staff were directly involved in designing and preparing for the park’s future. That ownership makes all the difference. Programming is key: Partnerships with arts groups, youth organizations, fitness programs and small business vendors will bring energy and activity. I’ve also been vocal about walkability, and one of my priorities is a road diet to better connect surrounding areas to the park, knitting it into daily city life.
Jared Lee Johnson: Finlay Park isn’t my top priority. There’s nothing wrong with protecting investments, but I’m more concerned with people and making sure they are invested in and that their needs are met. I love parks and I frequent our local parks, but this city faces an affordability issue and we have to stay focused and put people first.
It would be great to see Parks and Rec expand and create a special night watch position that pays a living wage and that could operate in Finlay and all parks after hours. This could free up precious law enforcement resources while creating new jobs that pay a LIVING WAGE.
Sam Johnson: Finlay Park is one of Columbia’s most iconic public spaces, and its $25 million renovation represents more than just a facelift. It’s a major investment in our city’s quality of life — an opportunity to reimagine what this park can mean for our city. As a member of City Council, I will work to ensure this investment becomes a foundation for long-term success, safety and inclusivity.
First, we have to protect the physical investment. That means consistent funding for maintenance, security and programming so the park stays clean, safe and welcoming for families, seniors and young people alike. We cannot let it fall back into neglect.
Second, we need to be honest about the park’s history. For years, many of our unhoused neighbors sought refuge there. Simply displacing them isn’t a solution. I’ll advocate for a coordinated approach with service providers, housing partners and nonprofit organizations to connect people with transitional housing, mental health care and job training, giving them a real path forward.
Finally, we have to activate the park with purpose. I envision Finlay Park as a hub of community life, with regular cultural events, youth programming and opportunities for neighbors to come together. When we invest not just in infrastructure, but in people, we create spaces that are vibrant, inclusive and transformative. Finlay Park should be more than a landmark. It should be a place where everyone is welcome.
Mayor
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann: Finlay Park is a crown jewel for Columbia, and after this historic investment, we will protect it like one. That means dedicated maintenance and management crews, a clear security presence and a robust year-round schedule of family-friendly events. The word is activation because we have learned that programming and people are the best protector in public areas around the country. Our goal is for Finlay Park to be a destination every day of the year, not just at the ribbon cutting in November.
Wade Fulmer: Routinely involve community participation, volunteers to inspect for preventive deterioration. Also, volunteers to (help) police the park itself within specific park open times.
Jessica S. Thomas: Finlay Park should be the crown jewel of Columbia, not a neglected afterthought. After the renovation, I’ll make sure it’s maintained with dedicated funding, active programming and strong partnerships with local organizations. However, we can go further.
I have been doing research on the initiatives already started by the City Council, and I would like to piggyback on reimagining the city of Columbia. That means using Finlay Park not only as a place to play and relax, but also as a hub for civic life: voter registration drives, community forums, cultural festivals and neighborhood gatherings. A safe, clean and vibrant park should feed both our spirits and our democracy. Finlay Park must be a true people’s park, accessible, welcoming and alive with activity all year long.