Columbia, South Carolina – The City of Columbia is turning a temporary safety step at Finlay Park into a permanent rule, following concerns about possible youth “takeover” gatherings and a disruption during the city’s Juneteenth celebration.
Under the new policy, anyone age 17 or younger must be with a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 21 or older to enter or stay in Finlay Park after 5:00 p.m. The rule applies seven days a week, from 5:00 p.m. until the park closes.
City officials said the decision grew out of events that began in May, when Columbia received several intelligence reports pointing to a possible “teen takeover” at Finlay Park events.
In response, the city put a temporary policy in place, requiring juveniles to be accompanied by an adult during those evening hours. Officials described the move as a precaution meant to protect visitors and keep the park safe and welcoming.
Since then, the city says there have been no complaints or incidents connected to teen takeovers inside Finlay Park. Officials also said no other takeover events have happened there, even though recent reports had promoted similar gatherings. However, the city noted that there was no such intelligence before the June 20 Juneteenth events and concert, showing that these incidents can happen without advance warning.
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The permanent policy includes supervision requirements for chaperones. It also allows exemptions for approved events, work-related or organized activities, and permitted group functions.
City Manager Teresa Wilson, Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook, and other officials addressed the issue during a media briefing after the Juneteenth Celebration incident at Finlay Park. They discussed what happened, the public safety response, and the steps the city plans to take moving forward.
Chief Holbrook said he was “frustrated and disappointed” that the Juneteenth community event was disrupted by groups of young people involved in fights and disorderly behavior.
“This is not who we are as a community, and we must all share in the responsibility of ensuring that something like this never happens again,” he said.
Wilson also praised SC Juneteenth Freedom Fest organizers Tina Torres and Jamal Bradley, saying they did “a phenomenal job” and should be commended.
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She added, “I still believe in the good within our children and young people, however it pains me to see the behaviors and acts of a few overshadow the positive, empowering actions of our youth who are making a difference. There will be no toleration for these takeover incidents in our community.”
City officials said efforts will continue to keep public spaces and community events safe, family-friendly, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.
