Choose your selection

City Announcements
Mayor Coble to Speak at Greater Columbia Community Relations Council 46th Annual Luncheon
The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (CRC) will hold its 46th Annual Luncheon on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 12:30p.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street. Mayor Bob Coble will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Tickets for this event are available to the public at the cost of $35 per person and must be purchased in advance by contacting the CRC office at 803.733.1130.

The City of Columbia is now accepting grant applications for the 2010-2011 year for Hospitality Tax, Accommodations Tax, and Community Promotions Funding.


City Stimulus Update
Click here to view information regarding the use of Federal stimulus funds for the City of Columbia.

City Newsroom
Mar 01-26, 2010
Bridge Closure and Repair Notification

Mar 16, 2010
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tiny Tot Tuesdays: A Capital Celebration

Mar 25, 2010
12:30 pm - 02:00 pm

Mayor Bob Coble to Speak at Greater Columbia Community Relations Council 46th Annual Luncheon

Parks & Recreation

Parks - General Info

Recognized by the American Heart Association

Start! Fit Friendly Platinum Level City

2008 and 2009

The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for hundreds of acres of park land and open spaces throughout the City of Columbia.

 

Residents can enjoy Columbia’s beautiful parks throughout the entire year, whether heading out for an impromptu picnic in the summer or taking a leisurely walk along one of the nature trails to enjoy the fall colors. Columbia also offers some of the most accessible green spaces in the metro area, so get the whole family out and exercising together with a trip to one today!

 

There also are numerous parks throughout the City featuring amenities such as ball fields, tennis, basketball courts and fitness/walking trails. Parks are open year-round from dawn to dusk. There are no entrance fees. 

Park Sites and Amenities

Within the park system there are several sites, which are more prominent, which are utilized to a greater extent or have some historical significance. These serve on a more city or region wide basis, while other parks are community or neighborhood oriented.  Each of these feature parks are unique and offer a variety of activities.

The City of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation operates many community and neighborhood centers, baseball/softball fields, shelters and greenways that can be reserved for public or private use by your family, business, church  and other organizations for various events.

Reservations

All reservations must be made at the Parks and Recreation office located at 1932 Calhoun Street. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m. 

 

Reservations cannot be taken over the phone. All reservations must be made in person. You may, however, call 803-545-3100 to see if a facility is available on the date you wish to rent.

 

All facilities must be closed and vacated by 11p.m.

 

All reservations by organizations and individuals require a facility reservation form or a special events form to be completed by the reserving party.

 

All appropriate fees must be paid at the time of reservation.

 

Community centers to include gymnasiums can not be reserved during operating hours.

 

Persons must be 21 years of age or older to rent a facility; all reservations require adult (21 or older) supervision.

 

Building Reservation Fee Schedule

Reservations for the following must be done and completely paid for 15 days or more prior to your event.

 

Building reservations are available in four and five hour blocks of time: 

                                                  8a.m.–noon

                                                1p.m.–5p.m.

                                                6p.m.–11p.m.

 

Arsenal Hill Building 

The Arsenal Hill building is located in the Arsenal Hill neighborhood, one of the first residential neighborhoods in the city of Columbia and the site of an arsenal during the Civil War. Back in the early 1800's, the Arsenal Hill area was known as home to many prominent citizens of Columbia. The South Carolina’s governor’s Mansion is located in Arsenal Hill.

         

          Size:            1900 square feet

          Occupancy:   Standing capacity/200

                             Seated capacity/144

                             Maximum 18 banquet tables

                             Commercial kitchen

 

 

Eau Claire Print Building

This old Eau Claire Print building from the turn of the 20th century is the perfect location and facility for that special party or meeting. Centrally located in the historic Eau Claire Town Hall complex where the American Lutheran Survey magazine was published by the Lutheran Publication House on behalf of the Lutheran Theological Seminary with its publisher’s executive offices housed next door at the old Town Hall. The Eau Claire Print Building is a great facility for large group meetings because of its built in sound systems, and spacious commercial grade kitchen for catering services.

         

          Size:            700 square feet

          Occupancy:   Standing capacity/200 maximum

                             Seated capacity/144 maximum

                             18 maximum table rounds

                             Commercial Kitchen

 

Finlay Park

The Finlay facility is located at the top of beautiful Finlay Park overlooking the more than 18 acres of  green space including a 1.8 acre lake and waterfall with 180 degree views of Columbia’s entire skyline from any seat in the half circle shaped structure. An adjacent outside deck area is ideal for additional entertainment use. 

 

          Size:             800 square feet

          Occupancy:   Standing capacity/75 maximum

                             Seated capacity/69

                             26 maximum banquet tables

                             Warming Kitchen

 

Keenan House

The Keenan House is a delightful historic post civil war structure centered on eight plus acres blanketed with gorgeous oaks. This facility can accommodate large group entertaining, small private functions, garden parties, or indoor catered activities. The large open veranda at the main entrance may also be used as part of either an indoor or outdoor function.

 

          Size:             2600 square feet (six rooms)

          Occupancy:   Standing capacity/168 maximum

                             Seated capacity/72 maximum

                             12 maximum table rounds    

                             Warming Kitchen

                                    

Neighborhood Centers

On average our neighborhood community centers can accommodate 50 people or less. These facilities are fantastic for small less formal events particularly geared for family and children’s parties. Playgrounds are adjacent to most of the sites with plenty of outdoor space for games and other activities. 

 

Although crews inspect Columbia’s park sites on a regular basis, damage or vandalism may occur between crew visits. If you notice broken playground equipment, unsafe conditions or vandalism, please contact us at 803.545.3100.