Revitalizing Columbia: The Modern Transformation of Finlay Park

Join the Columbia Design League at recently renovated Finlay Park for a presentation and discussion on the design approach and construction challenges for Columbia’s largest and best-loved park. Planned as a pastoral park in the 1850s with many trees, paths, water features, and structures such as a gazebo and bandstand, the 18-acre park — originally named Sidney Park — immediately became the heart of downtown Columbia. It was transformed in 1990 by Robert Marvin, known as the “Father of Southern Landscape Architecture," into Columbia's primary urban park. Marvin’s design created the “Little Congaree,” with a 40-foot waterwall, rockslide rapids, and streams that all flowed into a three-acre lake. 

Todd Martin, city landscape architect for the City of Columbia, John Katz, deputy director of Finlay Park, and Jason Bittner, project manager at Mashburn Construction, lead a discussion on the park’s revitalization goals, integrating modern amenities that reflect the city's dynamic growth and evolving community needs while honoring Marvin's original design. 

Free to attend. Cash bar and light refreshments provided by Ambrosia Elite Taverna. 

Attendees enter through the main entrance on Taylor Street and check in at The Landing.