COLUMBIA, S.C. — After years of delays and closed gates, Columbia’s Finlay Park will reopen Nov. 15 with a community celebration.

The downtown landmark, once known for its sweeping greenspace, amphitheater and 27-foot spiral fountain, first opened in 1990 as Sidney Park. By 2015, the fountain had stopped flowing and the park fell into disrepair.

City leaders launched a renovation project in 2019. After COVID-19 delays and rising construction costs that pushed the budget to more than $24 million, the park is finally ready for a comeback.

“Hopefully, the waterfall will be refurbished and I get that feeling because I remember as a kid walking under that waterfall,” said Columbia resident Faida Whittaker. “It was so exciting and exhilarating. I love that part, and I can’t wait to show my

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