Update at Finlay Park — during this week's City Council meeting, Mashburn Construction Company, a local, full-service construction company, was awarded the construction bid.

You may recognize some of Mashburn's work around Columbia, like its involvement in restoring or building:

The historic W.B. Whaley House
The Grand
The War Mouth
Hotel Trundle
Halls Chophouse
and more

Let's back up — an ordinance authorizing the funding of the revitalization and construction of the 17.5-acre park was passed during a February City Council meeting, but plans to update Finlay Park have been in the works for quite a while.

A groundbreaking has not been announced, but construction is now expected to take approximately two years.

Fun fact: Mashburn isn't the only local company involved with this project — Stantec, LS3P, Civitas, Fountain Division of W. P. Law Inc., and Chao & Associates Inc. are local architects, engineers, builders, and designers, all working together to bring the full project to life.

Each number on the map represents a new feature or an existing amenity that will be updated. | Rendering via the City of Columbia

Updated funding

As outlined in the action item memo, the revitalization should not exceed $22,450,000 (with contingencies) and funding for the project will come from the below breakdown:

General Fund Balance: $2 million
Congaree Vista Fund Balance: $3 million
Hospitality Tax Fund Balance: $3.5 million
SC Parks, Recreation, Tourism (SCPRT): $1 million
Bond: $10.5 million
Hospitality Tax: $2.6 million

Amenity Shelter Rendering | Rendering from the City of Columbia via the design team, Stantec + LS3P.

Coming updates

The goal for the project hasn't changed. The plan is to update existing amenities and increase accessibility, safety, and visibility so citizens are encouraged to partake in outdoor activities.

One of the biggest key features of the new park will be the renovated fountain that will flow into a new central pond. The new water feature will also incorporate sustainable techniques to treat stormwater.

Other amenities include:

Improved ADA circulation
Constructing new multi-use structures for events and park activation
Restrooms
Playgrounds
Enhanced lighting and parking
Public art
A plaza overlook
Preserving the Vista Greenway connection

Take time to read through the full 40-page master plan updated in November 2022 that includes more renderings, floor plans, inspiration pictures, and more.