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Finlay Park Field Trip Guidance

Hello, and thanks for your interest in visiting Finlay Park. The following guidance will lead to an enjoyable, safe experience for your students and chaperones.

Finlay Park has a clear bag policy, so we ask that students and chaperones leave any bookbags or backpacks on the buses. Lunchboxes, soft-sided coolers, and bagged lunches are welcome. Clutch purses and wristlets are also welcome.

If you are bringing beverages, we ask that you use soft-sided coolers. Our Park Ranger Team is available to assist in moving your drinks or lunches from the buses to the park. Finlay Park rules require a permit for groups of 25 or more. This email will serve as your permit application.

Fees for organized school trips are waived. Please send in your information at least one week prior to your planned visit.

Step One:

Submit the form below and let us know you’re coming.

Step Two:

Let us know if you’d like some educational programming. Our team of Park Rangers loves to teach kids of all ages about the flora and fauna in and around Finlay Park, the continuous recycling of water for the Finlay Park Fountain, and a host of other topics, including the history and cultural value of the Finlay Park site. Please let us know if you’d like more information.

Step Three:

Day of Visit Student Drop-off and Pick-Up (see attached map) Bus drop-off is on Taylor Street, just below (west) of the main entrance. For the safety of your students, please have buses pull into the curb cut and not stop in traffic lanes. Bus Parking (see attached map) There is no Bus Parking at Finlay Park. Buses should proceed to Memorial Park (Gadsden and Washington). Bathrooms There are seven individual restrooms located at the Landing – located just inside the main entrance. Three of the seven restrooms are ADA accessible. There are additional restrooms located at the Ranger Station. Play spaces There are three distinct play spaces at Finlay Park. We ask that chaperones help manage their students and keep them in age-appropriate spaces. All participants play at their own risk. Ages 2-5: Located on an AstroTurf base, this area features low to the ground climbing logs and a wooden Carolina Wren. Ages 2-12: Located on a mulch chip bed, this play area is for most school-aged kids. This structure is also wonderful for students with diverse sensory needs. Ages 5-12: The Cola Summit Playscape features five slides, climbing, and even a bi-level AstroTurf hill for sliding.

For more information on Finlay Park, please visit: Finlaypark.columbiasc.gov https://www.richlandlibrary.com/blog/2025-08-18/history-finlay-park

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Bringing Lunch?