Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
COLUMBIA – Finlay Park is reopening, but not everyone is happy about the new rules. The city received pushback from confused residents after rolling out a new “clear bag policy” for the park. Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson clarified that the policy will be in effect at all times in the park. “It’s intended for our visitors to be able to come (to the park),” Wilson said. “This is what we’re putting in place as a deterrent of certain behaviors, and setting the expectations of what we want from the beginning, and hopefully have for the duration of the experience that we want people to have at Finlay Park.” On the list of approved bags: clear totes, clear backpacks, wristlets, small clutches, and diaper bags. Regular purses, coolers, fanny packs, briefcases, camera bags and large backpacks are not allowed. Wilson explained that there will always be at least three park rangers and two law enforcement officers, referred to as "ambassadors,” patrolling the park. She said that these ambassadors “know that this is an adjustment period” and will give a grace to residents in the opening weeks. “No one's going to be turned away from the park, but they should have the expectation that it will be explained to them and they’ll be encouraged that the next time they come to follow the clear bag policy,” Wilson said. The city said the policy would begin during the festivities planned for the Grand Re-Opening Weekend, Nov. 15-16, and “remain in place for all future events and visits.” The city has spent $25 million revamping the site. Once heralded as the “crown jewel” of Columbia, it fell into disrepair decades ago. A post on the City of Columbia Government Facebook page announcing the clear bag policy garnered almost 600 comments and shares. “This is utterly ridiculous. Events, sure. Just average, every day enjoying the park? Absolutely not,” said Aubrey Stewart. “That’s too bad. We were going to do our Christmas pictures there this year but our photographer won’t be able to bring his equipment to work,” Kim Finney Woods commented. Notably, camera bags are not allowed under the new policy. “Heaven forbid a college student in a college town wants to sit in the nice pretty park and do homework. Better not, you’ll be arrested for your bookbag,” Michael Ottone commented. “This is literally dumb. How are people supposed to enjoy bringing their families or having picnics?” Rehannah Alam said. Wilson confirmed that the expectation is for people to bring their belongings in clear backpacks or tote bags, but the policy will be enforced with “common sense.” “If someone were, for example, to come with a cooler and it’s a legitimate family experience, trying to enjoy the park and have a picnic, they’re not going to be turned away – but certainly the rangers and the officers may ask and quickly check the cooler just to ensure safety and security,” Wilson said. Some commenters theorized that this was the city’s way of deterring people experiencing homelessness from congregating in the park. “In case you didn’t know the main reason is to keep the homeless out. So many people commented about it that this was the solution,” Kent Johnson. “It sounds to me like they are trying to make sure that unhoused people are not in Finley Park like they used to be,” Shannon Morrow. “We need some clarity because this appears blatantly discriminatory to our unhoused friends,” Katherine Blanton. Wilson denied the policy was targeted at any specific individual. “For anyone who visits the park, we want to encourage the right behaviors and we will encourage safety and security,” she said. “It is not at all intended for any individual.” She did not expand on what those behaviors looked like, but emphasized the “family-friendly” nature of the park. She said that perhaps the disconnect between residents and the policy is coming from the fact that no one has seen the improvements at the park. Wilson said the park will be much more “activated” now, with events, activities, and concerts planned for most days. “I would hope that our visitors and our citizens will come to appreciate the protocols that we’re putting in place because we want them to have the best experience and not have to worry about anything being brought into the park that could create a risk of safety in an environment where it’s intended to be family-friendly fun,” Wilson said.
