(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.

WHO: City of Columbia Public Works Department, Columbia Police Department, Columbia-Richland Fire Department, City of Columbia Parks & Recreation, Columbia Water, City of Columbia Fleet Services, City of Columbia Parking Department, City of Columbia Street Division, City of Columbia Solid Waste Division, Columbia Animal Services, City of Columbia Community Development, and Public Relations, Media, & Marketing.

 

WHAT: The City of Columbia’s Public Works Department, in collaboration with Soda City and several other City departments, will participate in the fourth annual Touch-A-Truck event at the Soda City Market. This interactive experience invites residents to explore and learn about some of the City’s largest trucks and heavy equipment. Featured vehicles and demonstrations will include a backhoe, mini-excavator, bomb-disposal robot, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to get up close and hands-on with the equipment that helps keep Columbia running.

 

City staff will be on-site to teach everyone how our trucks work and the work they do to keep the City of Columbia thriving. This is a FREE event and citizens are encouraged to attend and bring their children!

 

 

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

 

WHERE: 1700 Block of Main Street, Soda City Market

Phase 1 of Capital Improvement Plan to Enhance City-Owned Parking Decks

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia will begin structural repairs at the Sumter Street Parking Deck, located at 1400 Sumter Street, on Monday, June 1, 2026. This project is part of Phase 1 of the City’s multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a strategic investment in revitalizing and maintaining public parking infrastructure across Columbia.

What Work Will Be Done?                                                                

The work at the Sumter Street deck and other facilities during Phase 1 will include:

• Repairing concrete spalls, delamination, and exposed reinforcement
• Addressing cracks on concrete surfaces
• Replacing deteriorated joint sealant
• Installing new expansion joints
• Traffic coating and restriping of stalls

These updates are designed to improve safety, prolong the life of the parking decks, and help maintain an efficient and accessible parking experience for the public.

In addition to the structural repairs underway as part of Phase 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan, the City of Columbia is also investing in enhanced lighting, updated security cameras, deep cleaning, and fresh painting across City-owned parking decks.

Project Phasing and Impact

To minimize disruptions for downtown employees, residents, and visitors, parking deck renovations will be completed one at a time and is estimated to take approximately four months.

Signage will be placed at each parking deck before and during the construction process to inform parkers of the work taking place and guide them to nearby alternative parking options.

Starting on June 1, 2026 and continuing for approximately four months, public and visitor parking at the Sumter Street Parking Deck will be unavailable due to planned improvements. During this time, monthly parking arrangements will also be modified.

Parking Services has already reached out directly to reserved parkers as related to the coordination of parking arrangements and minimize disruption. The City appreciates the community’s patience as these upgrades are made to improve the overall parking experience in downtown Columbia.

Parkers are encouraged to visit https://parking.columbiasc.gov/downtown-parking-map/ to learn more about where City of Columbia parking decks are located.

Future parking decks slated for repair in Phase 1 include:

• Taylor Street Deck
• Arsenal Hill Deck
• Lady Street Deck

In all of these parking decks, phased work will allow for partial access throughout the repair period.

What is Concrete Corrosion?

Concrete corrosion is a gradual but serious issue that affects the structural integrity of many parking decks. When water infiltrates a porous concrete surface, it penetrates to the embedded reinforcing steel. Over time, this causes the steel to corrode and expand, breaking the concrete on the surface, and exposing the steel underneath. Left unrepaired, this could compromise the integrity of the structure over time. Corrosion-related repairs are among the most common and costly maintenance issues for aging parking decks.

Why This Work Matters

The City of Columbia’s Parking Revitalization Plan is a proactive effort to extend the life of vital downtown infrastructure and ensure a safe, modern parking experience. By addressing issues before they become critical, the City is investing in public safety, saving long-term costs, and supporting the ongoing vibrancy of downtown Columbia.

The ongoing repairs and enhancements to the City’s parking decks are part of a long-term, strategic reinvestment plan that began with the City of Columbia’s parking rate increase approved by City Council on December 4, 2024 and implemented on March 1, 2025. This initiative was designed to ensure that revenue generated through the updated rate structure could be directly reinvested into maintaining, modernizing, and extending the life of our parking facilities. By aligning these improvements with the broader strategic vision for a safer, more reliable and more accessible parking system, the City continues to deliver on its commitment to strengthening infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

For More Information

To stay informed on project updates, deck reopening dates, and parking alternatives, please visit: https://parking.columbiasc.gov/

The City of Columbia is inviting residents to shape the future of its riverfront as the Congaree Riverfront District Project enters its first phase of community engagement.

Following City Council’s December 2025 approval of a professional services agreement to begin planning and design work for the 100-acre riverfront district, along with a $5 million philanthropic commitment from the Boyd Foundation, the City of Columbia and its design team are now turning their focus to listening.

The City will host the first in a series of public meetings on April 1, offering residents, stakeholders and riverfront users an opportunity to share ideas, priorities and concerns before any design concepts are developed.

“For years, we’ve talked about truly connecting our city to our three rivers. This first phase of engagement is the next step in creating 27 miles of continuous greenway that will redefine the Capital City,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “This isn’t just about a single park; it’s about a vibrant district reflecting the unique character of our community. Your input on everything from recreation to environmental preservation is at the heart of this process. This is your riverfront, and we want the final vision to be a reflection of your dreams for Columbia.”

The first public meeting will focus on gathering input regarding opportunities and challenges along the riverfront, desired recreational amenities and public spaces, environmental priorities and preservation, and links to surrounding neighborhoods and destinations.

Congaree Riverfront District Public Meeting
Date: April 1, 2026
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Senate’s End (The Hall), 316 Senate St., Columbia, S.C. 29201

Residents can learn more or indicate plans to attend the meeting at growth.columbiasc.gov/portfolio/congaree-riverfront-district/

Community engagement will continue throughout the Master Plan process, with multiple opportunities for residents to participate.

“This is the beginning of the public conversation,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “We have selected an exceptional design team and continue to secure meaningful community investment, but the most important voices in this process are the people who live, work and spend time along our riverfront.”

The City has engaged Field Operations, an internationally recognized landscape architecture and urban design firm, to lead the planning and design process. The planning effort will guide the long-term vision for a connected riverfront district, including a future project along the Congaree River linking the existing Riverfront Park and Granby Park. The process will evaluate natural features, floodplain considerations, environmental assets and opportunities for recreation and connectivity.

 

As planning continues, the Master Plan will also consider how complementary private development may thoughtfully interface with and support the district park. These discussions will occur alongside broader conversations about connectivity, recreation, environmental stewardship and long-term vitality within the Congaree Riverfront District.

For more information on the project or the April 1 meeting, visit growth.columbiasc.gov/portfolio/congaree-riverfront-district/. Residents may also share ideas by emailing ColaRiverfrontExperience@columbiasc.gov.

The City of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department, in partnership with HRTHUDL and Prisma Health, announced a new life saving initiative during the City of Columbia Go Red Columbia Kickoff event at City Hall on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The partnership aims to equip every Columbia Police Department frontline vehicle with an Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, strengthening emergency response efforts and increasing survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest across Columbia.

“Partnering with Connor is an honor,” said City of Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson. “This initiative through HRTHUDL is a true call to action—equipping our citizens and business owners with the ability to invest in a simple, effective tool that is tangible and will save lives.”

Sudden cardiac arrest survival decreases by approximately 10 percent for every minute without CPR or defibrillation. In South Carolina, emergency response time to cardiac arrest averages seven to nine minutes, while brain injury can begin within four to six minutes without oxygen. Law enforcement officers often arrive first on these emergency calls, frequently within one to four minutes, positioning them to provide critical, life saving intervention.

The initiative’s goal is to raise 600,000 dollars to fully equip approximately 300 Columbia Police Department frontline vehicles with AEDs. The cost of one AED is approximately 2,000 dollars.

“Every second matters in a cardiac emergency,” said Columbia Police Chief, Skip Holbrook. “Our officers are often the first to arrive on scene, and equipping every frontline vehicle with an AED ensures they have the tools necessary to preserve life when time is critical. This initiative strengthens our commitment to the sanctity of life and enhances our ability to serve our community in moments that matter most. We are grateful for the partnership with HRTHUDL and Prisma Health as we work together to increase survival outcomes and make Columbia safer and healthier for everyone.”

Businesses, organizations and community members are encouraged to join this life saving effort by supporting the campaign and helping expand access to critical cardiac emergency equipment across Columbia. Donations and additional information are available at https://www.hrthudl.org/cpdaeds.

“My life was saved because people were equipped and willing to act,” said Connor Shaw, Founder of HRTHUDL. “Together, we can ensure that the same opportunity exists for others. When CPR and defibrillation are delivered within the first few minutes, survival rates can increase by up to 70 percent. I’m grateful for the leadership of the City of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department for embracing and championing this life-saving mission. We invite and need businesses, organizations, and individuals to join this coalition and help create more survivors across our community.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in South Carolina, accounting for nearly one in three deaths statewide. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival decreases by up to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation. While average EMS response time ranges from seven to nine minutes, brain injury can begin in as little as four minutes, underscoring the importance of equipping first responders with immediate access to life saving AED technology.

Red Columbia Campaign

This initiative is part of the City’s broader Go Red Columbia campaign, which takes place annually from February through March in partnership with the American Heart Association. The campaign focuses on raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death Go among women, while encouraging residents to take a more proactive role in their health through education, prevention and lifestyle changes. Through community events, wellness activities, screenings and fundraising efforts, Go Red Columbia works to generate critical resources that support heart health initiatives and life-saving programs throughout the community.

###

About HRTHUDL

HRTHUDL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping communities to respond to sudden cardiac arrest while sharing powerful survival stories that inspire action. The organization focuses on placing AEDs in schools, businesses, parks and recreation facilities and emergency vehicles, providing hands only CPR training and offering youth heart screenings.

HRTHUDL was founded by Connor Shaw, former University of South Carolina quarterback, the winningest quarterback in school history and the program’s all time touchdown leader. After surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, Shaw launched HRTHUDL to help ensure others have the same chance at survival through preparedness and access to life saving equipment.

For more information, visit www.hrthudl.org.

In partnership with Change.org (the world’s leading platform for social change), the City of Columbia is participating in a new initiative called “Ideas for Change” through which we will identify creative, community-driven solutions to local challenges.

From now until early February, all residents of Columbia will have the opportunity to share their ideas for positive change in our city and respond to their neighbors’ suggestions at the Ideas for Change website. Shortly afterwards, Change.org will identify the most important topics from this set and assemble a group of residents from all over the city to help develop them into actionable proposals. The Mayor has committed to reviewing the proposals that emerge from this process to see how the city might support them.

“We know real change starts with a conversation, and ‘Ideas for Change’ provides a modern platform for Columbians to practice the kind of constructive dialogue that moves us forward,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “This partnership with Change.org isn’t just about sharing suggestions; it’s about neighbors building on each other’s ideas to solve local problems – our problems. I look forward to seeing our community come together to turn shared aspirations into tangible ideas for the Capital City.”

Duncan Lockard, Head of Strategy at Change.org, emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in this process. He notes: “Change.org will host an online space where Columbians can not only share their own ideas on what would be good for the city, but support and build on others’ ideas as well. We will continue to work closely with the Mayor’s office to make sure everyone in Columbia has an opportunity to contribute, regardless of neighborhood or background.”

Committed community leaders from the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods, Columbia World Affairs Council, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and others have offered their support of this initiative. The ideas currently on the website are informed both by their work and existing city initiatives; these are meant to inspire all residents to share their own ideas and perspectives.

You can visit the website and offer your ideas today, or vote on the ideas that have already been submitted: www.ideasforchange.org/columbia

If you have any questions, reach out to contact@ideasforchange.org.

Riverfront Park FAQ Flyer FO Comments Updated 12-16

On February 9 and 10, 2026, two Riverfront District Project kickoff and overview sessions were held for Columbia City Council and Richland County Council to provide an introduction to the vision, purpose and planning process for the future riverfront district along the Congaree River. The project aims to create a premier multipurpose public park that enhances community engagement, supports environmental sustainability and expands recreational, educational and economic opportunities for the region.

Both sessions took place at Senate’s End and included a site visit of the planned public park.

(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia took a major step forward in shaping the future of its riverfront during the December 16, 2025 City Council meeting, approving a professional services contract with Field Operations, LLC to lead the planning and design of a comprehensive Master Plan for riverfront district and a schematic design for the future riverfront park.

Field Operations is an internationally recognized landscape architecture and urban design firm renowned for creating transformational public realm and waterfront projects that connect communities, enhance biodiversity, and revitalize urban neighborhoods. The firm’s signature projects include New York City’s High Line, Seattle’s Central Waterfront, San Francisco’s Presidio Tunnel Tops, Memphis’ Shelby Farms Park, and Chicago’s Navy Pier. Founded 25 years ago by James Corner, Field Operations has received numerous awards for design excellence, with work exhibited at institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Venice Biennale.

The approved contract marks the beginning of a collaborative Master Plan and schematic design process that will guide the long-term vision for riverfront district development that includes a new Riverfront Park along the Congaree River, connecting the existing Riverfront Park to Granby Park and creating a regional destination for residents and visitors alike.  The project will work with and take advantage of the existing topography, view sheds, floodplain, floodway and wetland delineations while creating public and private opportunities within the 96 acres included in the project parameters.

“This project represents a transformative step in Columbia’s continued growth and commitment to connectivity,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “By advancing a comprehensive vision for our riverfront and strengthening connections to surrounding downtown corridors, we are creating a more accessible, operationally efficient, vibrant, and resilient city. This effort reflects our focus on thoughtful growth, one that enhances quality of life, supports economic development, and ensures our riverfront serves as a shared asset for residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Following Council’s approval of the professional services contract, City Council and City Manager Teresa Wilson received a special presentation from George Bailey, President and Director of the Boyd Foundation, announcing a $5 million philanthropic contribution in support of the Riverfront Park project. The generous gift further demonstrates the Boyd Foundation’s long-standing commitment to transformational projects that enhance Columbia’s outdoor spaces and public realm.

“The Boyd Foundation is pleased to be working with the Guignard family, the city of Columbia, USC, the USC Development Foundation and Richland County on this exciting transformational project,” said Bailey. “This project is in keeping with our top priority of making available outdoor recreational activities to the citizens of our community to improve quality of life.”

The Boyd Foundation has played a significant role in shaping the Midland’s riverfront and cultural landscape, including Boyd Island, Boyd Plaza, partnerships with Historic Columbia, and ongoing efforts such as the Broad River Pedestrian Bridge, the Canal Pedestrian Bridge, and the 12,000 year History Park Visitor’s Center. Upon completion of the Riverfront Project, alongside current and planned projects of other local jurisdictions and non-profits, there will be 27 miles of connected greenway along Columbia’s riverfronts.

“The approval of this design team and the incredible $5 million gift from the Boyd Foundation marks a turning point in our city’s history. We are finally unlocking the full potential of our riverfront, transforming 96 acres into a vibrant epicenter of community and culture,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We are grateful to the Boyd Foundation, the Guignard Associates, and our partners at USC and the USC Foundation, and Richland County for their vision and generosity. Together, we are creating a seamless link from Riverfront Park to Granby Park and the entire 3RVRS project, ensuring Columbia’s greatest natural asset is finally the heart of our city’s experience.”

Columbia City Council and Richland County Council have also approved of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Riverfront District. Under the MOU, the City and County will explore funding options through the creation of multi-county business parks to help support project related costs. This partnership strengthens the riverfront’s role as a regional destination by aligning public investment, encouraging complementary private development, and advancing long term economic and community benefits.

About the Riverfront Park Project

The Riverfront Park Project is intended to create a premier, multi-purpose public park that enhances community engagement, promotes environmental sustainability, and supports economic development. The approximately 96-acre project area is bounded by the Congaree River, Senate and Gervais Streets, Huger Street, Blossom Street, and land near the USC baseball stadium. The site includes both wooded and open areas, significant topography, and scenic views of the river.

Field Operations will work closely with the City and project partners to:

1. Establish a connected park system linking Riverfront Park and Granby Park
2. Celebrate the natural landscape and honor the area’s history
3. Identify complementary private development opportunities that support economic growth
4. Design spaces for both passive and active recreation, including trails, picnic areas, water access, natural gardens, and greenways

Community Engagement and Next Steps

Public engagement will be a central component of the Master Plan process. Community input sessions are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, offering residents and stakeholders multiple opportunities to help shape the park’s features and character. Additional information, including engagement opportunities will be shared as the process moves forward.

Together, the City of Columbia and its partners are working to create a riverfront destination that enhances experiences, embraces the river, and serves as a welcoming space for generations to come.

*Please see additional information regarding the project, as well as the preliminary site plan that identifies the project boundaries*

The City of Columbia would like to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Keeper Scholarships and the Honor the Dream Food Drive. These winners were announced and honored at the 38^th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Service, which took place this past Monday, January 19, 2026 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 2300 Greene St.

The City of Columbia accepted applications, ranging from elementary, middle, and high school students enrolled in Richland School District One for the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Keeper Scholarship Awards. The Dream Keeper Scholarship Awards program recognizes exemplary displays of committed service to the tenets of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2026 MLK Dream Keeper Scholarship Winners

Elementary

$100.00 1^st Place: Calvin Hastie, Brockman Elementary School

$75.00 2^nd Place: Melani Hernandez Martinez, A.J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School

$50.00 3^rd Place: Makenze E. Tilley, Meadowfield Elementary School

$25.00 Honorable Mention: Trista Jones, Hopkins Elementary School

Middle School

$250.00 1^st Place: Natalie Maurice, W.G. Sanders Middle School

$175.00 2^nd Place: Layloni Randle, Southeast Middle School

$100.00 3^rd Place: Alana Wilkerson, Hand Middle School

$75.00 Honorable Mention: Bryce McKellar, Crayton Middle School

High School

$1000.00 1^st Place: A’keyah Chisolm, Eau Claire High School

$500.00 2^nd Place: Halayna Sumter, Richland One Middle College

$250.00 3^rd Place: Siya Bakshi, Dreher High School

$100.00 Honorable Mention: Jennylis Sanchez-Martinez, C.A. Johnson High School

The City of Columbia, Richland School District One and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation held the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honor the Dream Food Drive benefiting Harvest Hope Food Bank from October 13, 2025 to November 14, 2025. The food drive is held each year to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of community service.

2026 MLK Honor the Dream Food Drive Winners

Elementary Category:  Congratulations to Caughman Elementary– 383 pounds

Middle School Category: Congratulations to Hand Middle School– 909 pounds

High School Category: Congratulations to Lower Richland High School– 54 pounds

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for helping honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service!

WHO: Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Council Members, City Manager Teresa Wilson, and City Staff

WHAT: Swearing-In Ceremony for the Mayor and City Council Members

WHEN: Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM

WHERE: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (Exhibit Hall), 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201

*Please see attached invitation*