Finlay Park is a nearly 18-acre public park in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, with green space, event space and a modern playground. It sits between Assembly, Gadsden, Laurel and Taylor streets, and is about 1.6 miles from Budget Inn, a hotel in Columbia.
- Location: Downtown Columbia, between Assembly, Gadsden, Laurel and Taylor streets.
- Hours: Open daily
- Parking: The Laurel Street lot is normally available; event-day access can differ.
- Park highlights: A modern playground, public art, green spaces and accessible paths.
Where Finlay Park sits in downtown Columbia
Finlay Park occupies a central spot in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, between Assembly Street to the east, Gadsden Street to the west, Laurel Street to the north and Taylor Street to the south. The City gives its address as 901 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201; another City venue listing gives 930 Laurel Street.
For a walk from Main Street, the City describes the route from Main and Blanding streets as four minutes, with Taylor, Blanding and Laurel streets among the options.
The Vista District is a few blocks from the park. If you are planning a cultural stop in the city, museums in Columbia, SC offer another topic to consider for your itinerary.
Park features and history
Finlay Park is Columbia’s largest public park and a multi-use community hub, with event space, a modern playground, public art and green spaces. Its history stretches back to the 1800s, and it has had several names, including Seaboard Park and Sidney Park.
The Cola Summit Playscape is on the park’s west side near Gadsden Street, below the Laurel Street parking lot. The Landing sits on the south side of the Oval beside the Splash Pad.
The Landing has seven unisex and family restrooms, three of which the City describes as fully accessible under ADA standards. For citywide fairs, markets and annual festivals, the Columbia events calendar can help you plan around the city’s event schedule.
What are Finlay Park’s hours and accessibility features?
Finlay Park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The City says the Splash Pad is wheelchair-accessible, and smooth pathways and ramps connect areas of the park. An accessibility map is among the project resources.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM–9 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Dogs are allowed on leash; owners must pick up and dispose of animal waste, with bag stations at posted locations. Smoking and vaping are prohibited. Swimming, wading and fishing are not allowed in the pond, fountain or grotto.
Skateboarding, cycling and electric ride-on devices are prohibited inside the park. The City exempts mobility devices used by people with disabilities. Bike racks are near the Taylor Street and Assembly Street entrances and elsewhere in the park; walk your bike to a rack.
Groups of 25 or more must apply for a permit, and private events and activities require one. The City’s published rules and hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
Where can you park for Finlay Park?
The Laurel Street parking lot is normally available for general park parking, but it closes to the general public for service access on special-event days. The City also identifies the Arsenal Hill Garage for general parking and the Taylor Street and Cannon garages as accessible parking structures near the park.
If you are coming from Main Street, the City names Taylor, Blanding and Laurel streets as walking routes to the park. The Vista District is a few blocks away, with the Lincoln Street Parking Deck as a parking option there.
FAQs
What is Finlay Park’s address?
The City lists 901 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201. A separate City venue listing gives 930 Laurel Street.
Can you bring a bike into Finlay Park?
You cannot cycle inside the park, but you can walk a bike to one of the park’s bike racks.
Are dogs allowed at Finlay Park?
Yes. Dogs must be leashed, and owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of animal waste.