Finlay Park

Finlay Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Landing café and rental hub is normally open 11 a.m.–7 p.m., and the splash pad uses separate seasonal hours.

The Laurel Street lot and Arsenal Hill Garage are normal nearby options. On event days Laurel Street can close for service access; Taylor Street, Cannon, and Lincoln Street garages provide walkable alternatives, and designated ADA spaces are available for events.

Yes. COMET Soda Cap route 4 provides dedicated service from Cannon Garage for City park events beginning in 2026, and downtown stops on Main Street are a short walk via Taylor, Blanding, or Laurel Street.

Cola Summit Playscapes has five slides, rope ladders, climbing elements, lower-to-the-ground play for small children, and adjacent sensory-friendly panels and musical features. It sits below the Laurel Street lot near Gadsden Street.

The 35-jet splash pad operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during its May 23–September 30 season. It is fully accessible by smooth paths and ramps; weather, maintenance, or events can interrupt service.

Seven modern unisex and family restrooms are at The Landing beside the splash pad and Oval; three are fully ADA accessible. Their location makes them convenient to the playground, splash pad, seating, and event lawn.

Yes. The rebuilt park has accessible walking loops connecting upper and lower levels, smooth pathways and ramps, a fully accessible splash pad, sensory play, accessible family restrooms, and designated ADA event parking.

Yes. The City can close the full park or individual areas for private events, major programs, maintenance, or safety. Check the park calendar and City notices before a time-sensitive visit.

Yes. Dogs must remain leashed, and owners must immediately collect and dispose of waste; bag stations are available around the park. Animals should remain out of the splash pad, playground equipment, fountain, pond, indoor spaces, and any restricted event area.

General entry and public amenities are free, but a clear-bag policy is always in effect except for diaper and medically necessary bags. Groups of 25 or more need a permit; grills, on-site cooking, smoking, vaping, swimming, wading, and fishing are prohibited.

Use the Taylor Street main entrance for the Landing, restrooms, fountain, central lawn, and the simplest first visit. Laurel Street serves the upper lot and accessible parking during ordinary operations, while Assembly Street gates provide another downtown approach. Event closures can change which gate or lot is available, so follow the event map rather than a generic park pin.

Architectural features, landscaped areas, The Landing seating, and scattered trees provide pockets of shade, while the Oval, splash pad, playground approaches, walking loops, courts, and overlooks can be exposed. The Nest is an indoor or patio rental space rather than guaranteed drop-in refuge, and The Landing follows its own daily hours. During lightning, high wind, or dangerous heat, follow staff directions and use a confirmed-open substantial building or enclosed vehicle.

The rebuilt park has more than two miles of paved pathways and sidewalks, with smooth ramps linking the upper and lower levels, splash pad, Grotto, Overlook Plaza, playground, and other major destinations. A wide asphalt-and-ribbon-concrete loop circles the Oval for nearly one-fifth mile, while the Cascade Walk and nine-hole disc-golf route move through stronger grades and landscaped tiers. Cycling and powered recreational devices are prohibited inside, so walk bicycles and use the accessible loops when a predictable grade is important.

Yes. Homemade, packaged, restaurant, and take-out food plus non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. The Landing area has cafe tables and picnic tables, and visitors may bring folding chairs. Food must fit the park's everyday clear-bag policy: one permitted soft-sided cooler may be up to 14 by 14 by 14 inches, while hard-sided, foam, and wheeled coolers are prohibited. Groups of 25 or more need a permit; grills, fryers, griddles, on-site cooking, and alcohol are prohibited unless specifically permitted.

Walk the strolling gardens to see eight rotating sculptures, then continue toward Fountain Falls for ten artist-painted turtle sculptures. The Secret Garden has Maria DeFelice's firefly-inspired mural, and the restored bronze statue of former Mayor Kirkman Finlay stands pondside facing the fountain. The Lantern, Grotto, waterfall, cantilever bridge, and Overlook Plaza form the park's main architectural sequence and are especially prominent after dark.