Demonstrating how intentional modernization can transform an urban park into a dynamic public space

Finlay Park Revitalization

Cradled within a landform shaped by natural history and the city’s evolving landscape, Finlay Park stands as an urban oasis in downtown Columbia. The 18.5-acre (7.5-hectare) park has shaped the civic landscape for decades, standing as a symbol of urban renewal. After years of decline and underuse, the City of Columbia set out to renew their crown jewel and address the long-standing maintenance and operational challenges. They turned to the Stantec-led design team to help restore the iconic urban park.

Our Charleston-based landscape architecture studio worked with multiple design and construction partners to develop the master plan. Instead of a full overhaul, we embraced a thoughtful reinterpretation, informed by an extensive landscape and infrastructural analysis and public engagement process.

In the master plan, we centered the renewal of Finlay Park around its defining water features, including the signature spiral fountain and ponds. Rather than removing these elements to simplify maintenance or design, we integrated green infrastructure solutions to reduce the system’s leakage and enhance water circulation. The redesigned spiral fountain now cascades into a central pond, letting water reclaim its role as a defining spatial and sensory presence. A large, flexible event lawn anchors the park. Additionally, a mix of new amenities—including playgrounds, a splash pad, strolling gardens, bouldering walls, and shaded plazas—complement the water features and event lawn, tying the park together.

The reimagined Finlay Park respects its past while elevating the way people move, gather, and connect within it. The park shows how intentional modernization can transform an urban park into a dynamic public space for new memories to be made.