(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia is proud to announce that Finlay Park has been selected by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as the recipient of the 2026 Innovation in Park Design Award, a national honor recognizing excellence and innovation in parks and recreation design. The award celebrates parks and recreation agencies across the country that are strengthening communities through forward-thinking investments and transformative public spaces.
“This award represents more than recognition for a park renovation,” said Assistant City Manager Henry Simons. “It reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to investing in public spaces that strengthen community, encourage connection, and enhance quality of life. We are proud of what Finlay Park has become and excited about its future impact on Columbia.”
Finlay Park, which officially celebrated its grand re-opening on November 15, 2025, is being recognized for its revitalization efforts that transformed Columbia’s signature downtown park into a modern, accessible and community-focused destination designed to serve residents and visitors for generations to come.
“Together, with community support, the vision of elected leadership over the years, and the hard work and dedication of so many, we have brought Finlay Park into an exciting new chapter,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “Today, Finlay Park stands as an award-winning destination that has been embraced by our community and visitors alike. We are proud to see it serve as a welcoming, vibrant and safe space where people can gather, connect and create lasting memories for generations to come.”
Since reopening, Finlay Park has immediately reestablished itself as a central destination for recreation, entertainment and community gatherings, welcoming thousands of visitors and hosting major events that bring vibrancy to downtown Columbia.
“When we set out to reimagine Finlay Park, we were intentional about creating a transformative space that honors our history while reflecting the bold future of our Capital City,” said Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann. “I am incredibly proud of our City team and partners who worked tirelessly to turn that vision into a reality; this national recognition belongs to all of you. Together, we did it, and we have built something that will bring our community together for generations to come.”
The City of Columbia extends its appreciation to the many partners, contractors and project teams whose expertise and dedication helped bring the revitalization of Finlay Park to life including but not limited to:
- Mashburn Construction
- Stantec
- Civitas
- LS3P
- Chao and Associates, Inc.
- Buford Goff & Associates
- Johnson & King Engineers
- P. LAW
- F&ME Consultants
- EAS Professional Services
- Aiken Cost Estimators
- PRISMA Health
- One Columbia for Arts and Culture
- City of Columbia Parks & Recreation, as well as the full support of City Council and City of Columbia administration and all departments.
“The partnership between the City of Columbia and our contractors has been an extraordinary journey. Together we worked diligently to translate community insight into a shared vision for Finlay Park. The result is a design that honors the park’s history while reimagining its role for future generations,” said Todd Martin, landscape architect for the City of Columbia. “This project stands as a testament to the value of collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to community.”
The National Recreation and Park Association announced the award recipients on May 20, 2026, recognizing agencies nationwide that have demonstrated innovation in park design, health and wellness, environmental resilience and creating parks for all. Award recipients will be recognized during the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia this September.
“Congratulations to these outstanding awardees who are shaping the future of parks and recreation with passion and purpose,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA President and CEO. “Their work is a powerful reflection of the power that parks and recreation has in communities nationwide, and of the dedication professionals bring to this work every day.”
To learn more about NRPA Innovation Awards, click here.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 68,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.
