Finlay Park

When tourists are determining beautiful spots to visit in Columbia, South Carolina, Finlay Park typically pops up at the top of the list. Known for more than 30 years as an iconic green space for the public to enjoy, the 14-acre park quickly became a center point for recreation, festivals and concerts after its conception in 1991. The cascading waterfall glistens in the daylight, providing a scenic destination for all who visit the area.

Over the years, the park’s infrastructure fell into disrepair, leaving the area unsafe and lacking its original appeal to the area. For nearly a decade, plans were beginning to form around a revitalization project that did not receive its approval until 2022. Nearly three years later, the park was able to reopen to the public in late 2025.

Sitting at the center of the park’s infrastructure is the well-known waterfall area, complete with a curved pedestrian bridge that wraps around as a water feature. Knowing the steel members would be in constant contact with moisture and water, the coating protection system had to be durable and long-lasting with the fear of corrosion at play. It also would experience heavy foot traffic from tourists and locals alike.

When considering coating protection systems, galvanizing was truly the only choice. Paint systems would scrape, corrode, and peel off over time, causing an unsightly view that would require closing the walkway to visitors for frequent maintenance. Alternatively, hot-dip galvanizing forms a durable bond with uniform coverage across every corner and crevice of the handrail, grating and structural elements that will be virtually maintenance free. Decades of corrosion resistance means visitors will be able to walk on the bridge safely without fear of infrastructure breaking down.

Throughout the course of the project, the galvanizer and project members experienced their own set of challenges. With an emphasis on turn-times and meeting project deadlines, the teams strategically formed a plan to keep the project moving seamlessly from start to finish. Any delay from the galvanizer and the entire project would be stalled. A strong partnership formed between the galvanizer and fabricator to proactively communicate vent and drain hold requirements, ensuring a quality coating that the customer would be proud of.

This revitalized Finaly Park now stands as a testament to the sustainable, structural and aesthetic appeal that galvanizing can provide public spaces while also accounting for the wet, urban and high-traffic area the project resides in. Its overall design blends art with function: the galvanized curved bridge reflecting the sun during the day and illuminated waterfall at night bringing together the beauty of Columbia, South Carolina for the public to enjoy for years to come.