Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions

Free Consultation Request

Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Columbia, SC

Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.

Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.

We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Columbia, SC or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.

Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
What is Medicare?
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Columbia, SC
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Columbia, SC
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Columbia, SC

Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!

Request a Consultation

What is Medicare?

If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.

There are four parts of Medicare:

This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.

This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.

This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.

Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).

The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:

What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.

Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Columbia, SC

Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.

Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.

Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:

Deductibles

Copayments

Coinsurance

Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance

To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.

Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.

For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Columbia, SC is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Columbia, SC

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:

Preferred Provider Organizations
Special Needs Plans
Private Fee-for-Service
Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
Health Maintenance Organizations

In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work

Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).

Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.

When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.

Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules

Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Columbia, SC. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.

Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:

If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor

Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.

Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance

How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.

We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.

The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:

Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.
Listening to your specific needs.
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude.
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.

Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

A popular Upstate coffee shop has opened its first Columbia cafe. Here’s where

Something new is officially brewing in Columbia’s BullStreet District.Methodical Coffee, which has gained popularity in the last decade in the Greenville area, has opened a new cafe at 2149 Pickens St. at the BullStreet development. The coffee shop is located on the northeast corner of the ground floor of the WestLawn office building.The new cafe formally debuted on Monday, though Methodical co-founder and CEO Marco Suarez noted it is in a soft opening phase. The bakery portion of the shop is not yet operating, but the sh...

Something new is officially brewing in Columbia’s BullStreet District.

Methodical Coffee, which has gained popularity in the last decade in the Greenville area, has opened a new cafe at 2149 Pickens St. at the BullStreet development. The coffee shop is located on the northeast corner of the ground floor of the WestLawn office building.

The new cafe formally debuted on Monday, though Methodical co-founder and CEO Marco Suarez noted it is in a soft opening phase. The bakery portion of the shop is not yet operating, but the shop is offering a full menu of drinks including filter and pour-over style coffee, cold brews, espresso, cappuccino, Americano, various teas and more.

Methodical started in Greenville in 2015, and the company has three locations in the Upstate area, as well as a coffee roasting and operations facility in Travelers Rest.

Suarez said there is a mix of excitement and relief in getting the doors open at BullStreet’s Methodical. The project has been in the works for a couple of years, and was initially announced to the public in April 2024.

“This one has been a very longtime coming,” Suarez told The State. “The moment I’ve been working toward for two years is to be able to walk in, the space is completely set up, everything is in its right place, the sound of the coffee grinders is going, you hear the chatter of people. ... I was very, very happy [on Monday] to experience that.”

Suarez noted that he has long been familiar with Hughes Development — the master developer of the overall project at the sprawling 181-acre site on Bull Street — and its president, Robert Hughes. He noted that Hughes was Methodical’s landlord at its first shop in Greenville a decade ago.

The Methodical CEO noted that, through the years, Hughes would make overtures about the possibility of the coffee shop having a location at BullStreet. Roughly two years ago, those talks got more serious. When Suarez and the Methodical crew came and visited the burgeoning BullStreet site shortly thereafter, they began to see the possibility of how a Columbia outpost could become a reality.

“The thing that really got me was how much it reminded me of Greenville back when we first opened,” Suarez said. “The city was just on this trajectory of growth, with tons of new retail and developments improving the standard of life for the people of the city. And in Columbia it felt that way, too. In Columbia there is all this new development and new things happening. We want to be a part of it.”

Methodical has debuted in a portion of the BullStreet District that will soon be a serious food and drink hub. It is right next door to the under-development Gather COLA food hall, which is planning to open later this year and will bring 10 food vendors, two bars and retail spaces to the district. And, just to the east of the coffee shop, a large community lawn space and venue is under construction which is set to include a Coastal Crust pizza shop.

While there is lots of construction currently going on adjacent to the new Methodical, Suarez said, once completed, the immediate area will be a great spot for food, entertainment and mingling.

“There will be retail, a lot of food, and it will kind of be the center area [of the district] where people will come congregate and meet,” he said. “I think it will be mutually beneficial for all of those tenants that will be right there. And it will have nice amenities.”

An editor’s guide to a football weekend in Columbia

Columbia comes alive in the fall. The weather cools down just enough, fall events like Famously Hot Pride, Jam Room Music Festival, the S.C. State Fair and West Columbia’s Fall Back Festival fill up Midlands residents’ social calendars.But for most of us, football is king. For seven Saturdays a year, Columbia transforms into a garnet and black hub of school spirit, Gamecock camaraderie and good ole fashioned fun.Here’s how to make the most of a football weekend in Columbia, from Friday to Sunday:Friday...

But for most of us, football is king. For seven Saturdays a year, Columbia transforms into a garnet and black hub of school spirit, Gamecock camaraderie and good ole fashioned fun.

Here’s how to make the most of a football weekend in Columbia, from Friday to Sunday:

Friday

Depending on when kick-off is scheduled at Williams-Brice Stadium, you might want to take it easy Friday night.

I recommend staying in The Vista, where plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife options await within walking distance.

For happy hour, Pearlz Oyster Bar and COA offer craft-made cocktails and nice atmospheres. Both restaurants offer happy hour deals on food and drink.

For dinner, head to The Hollow, where the game-forward restaurant serves up innovative bites like Elk Bolognese and Bison Short Rib. A whimsical cocktail menu offers alcoholic, THC-infused and non-alcoholic options. If you’re looking for something not as wild, try their pumpkin ravioli.

The Dragon Room is a great place for an after-dinner cocktail or snack. The late-night bar is popular with food and beverage industry folks, and the Asian fusion joint always offers something fun to try — the Temaki Crunchwrap takes a Taco Bell classic and gives it a poke twist.

For those looking to keep the night going, Art Bar is a locals haunt with eclectic decor and a reliable music lineup. Or, you can head up the hill to Main Street for a bit of dancing at Prohibition or live music at The Joint.

Saturday

The big day. Whether you’re tailgating or just going to watch the Gamecocks, it’s always best to have a plan. A shuttle bus picks up passengers on Sumter Street near the University of South Carolina’s Horseshoe, offering frequent transportation between the heart of downtown and the hub of USC tailgating: the Fairgrounds.

If you’re bringing your own car, lots like Gamecock Park and the Fairgrounds allow you to book your spot in advance, but there are plenty of private lots you can drive up to day of, including the former State Newspaper building and Lyon’s General Store on Rosewood Drive.

Don’t feel like making your own party? Head to J’s Corner, a storied pump station turned gameday hub at the corner of Rosewood and Bluff roads. The restaurant and bar has lots of outdoor space — including cornhole and space for kids to play — while being a 10 minute walk to the stadium. Peeble’s Sports Pub on Rosewood Drive is also a short walk from Williams-Brice Stadium.

Gamecocks playing away? The best spot to watch an away game is at Market on Main, an elevated sports bar with a huge outdoor patio and mammoth projector screen. In between plays and commercials, a DJ or musician is typically playing tunes to keep the atmosphere lively.

Other spots to watch football in Columbia include Five Points favorites Jake’s Sports Bar and Grill and Home Team BBQ, Cayce’s Steel Hands Brewing, Devine Street’s Publick House and West Columbia’s D’s Wings.

If the game is over and you’re craving a bit of late-night eats, head to Bar None in Five Points, Beezer’s near USC’s Horseshoe or Main Street’s The Grand, where you can also take on your friends in a bowling match.

Sunday

While football is the main event, there’s still lots to explore in Columbia.

Sundays are a great time to check out the outdoor and cultural attractions in Soda City, including the Columbia Museum of Art, the Five Points shopping district and the riverwalk trails that offer free access to the three rivers that converge in the heart of the Midlands.

For breakfast, head to smallSUGAR in the Vista for delectable pastries and coffee drinks, or wait for brunch and head to one of the city’s many offerings. My picks are usually DiPrato’s near the USC campus or the Gourmet Shop in Five Points.

Walk brunch off with a stroll on the city’s Riverwalk, where you can cap your jaunt off with a crisp lager from Bierkeller, an authentic German brewery at the neighboring CanalSide apartment community.

If you’re willing to drive a bit, my favorite riverside walking path is in Cayce on Fort Congaree Trail.

If nature isn’t your thing, head to the Columbia Museum of Art, where a mix of local history, South Carolina art and nationally renowned artists fill the recently renovated walls. While on Main Street, you can also check out the Statehouse grounds, where the monuments and gorgeous landscaping are free to explore.

And that should fill up your weekend! There’s plenty more to fill your time, so don’t feel cheated if you can’t get it all in during one weekend. There’s always basketball season…

Fired SC elections director Howard Knapp, chief deputy arrested by SLED

Embattled former South Carolina elections director Howard Knapp and his former chief deputy have been arrested.Knapp, 40, and former elections commission deputy director Paige Salonich, 41, were booked in at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. Court records indicate that they were arrested Friday morning.Warrants released by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division 11 charges against the former elections director include misconduct while in office, embezzlement and ethics violations. Salonich was charged ...

Embattled former South Carolina elections director Howard Knapp and his former chief deputy have been arrested.

Knapp, 40, and former elections commission deputy director Paige Salonich, 41, were booked in at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. Court records indicate that they were arrested Friday morning.

Warrants released by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division 11 charges against the former elections director include misconduct while in office, embezzlement and ethics violations. Salonich was charged with wiretapping — allegedly hiding a recorder inside of the meeting room where members of the election commission’s board would make the decision to fire Knapp.

Knapp’s charges focus on his alleged misuse of state vehicles and gas cards, which prompted an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division over a year ago.

Knapp is accused of misappropriating $5,482.74 in public funds by allegedly making unauthorized gas purchases for two state vehicles over an eight-month period from June 2023 to January 2024. Knapp and his wife allegedly made personal use of the vehicles, according to warrants.

The State Media Co. earlier revealed details of the investigation and the subsequent report submitted to the Attorney General’s Office.

Sources told The State that when Knapp was informed he was not in compliance with state law, he returned the vehicles and was allowed to repay the money.

Knapp was fired following a tumultuous, hours long executive session at the state elections commission Sept. 17. The day after his firing, SLED agents were seen at the election commission’s Columbia office.

At an election committee meeting on Oct. 15, Commission Chairman Dennis Shedd said that three state agencies – the Attorney General’s office, the Office of Inspector General and the State Law Enforcement Division — were reviewing Knapp’s conduct during his time in office.

Knapp misused agency funds for personal reasons and conspired with other management-level staff to falsify documentation, Shedd told the public. Under Knapp’s leadership, the commission office had also become a “toxic and perhaps hostile work environment,” Shedd said.

Salonich, who Shedd described as Knapp’s “very close friend and fellow employee,” was fired five days later. This followed allegations made in internal documents of an aggressive confrontation with her superiors and other staff, as well as claims, that she planted a voice-activated digital recording device inside the room where board members debated whether to fire Knapp on Sept. 17.

Knapp was also charged with being accessory to a felony for calling employees that night and the next day asking them to remove the recorder.

Shedd also accused Knapp of providing misleading information to the board on a contract for new machines ahead of the November 2024 election.

The Election Commission board insisted that Knapp said the over 3,000 new machines would cost $28 million, but the cost swelled to over $33 million after accounting for sales tax and interest on the loan, records show. But current interim director Jenny Wooten and general counsel Thomas Nicholson knew about the total cost, according to emails obtained by The State.

Knapp received a $75,000 bond. Salonich’s bond was set at $25,000. The case will be prosecuted by the attorney general’s office.

This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.

Reporter Chris Trainor contributed to this report

What's Going on with the New Scout EV Plant in Columbia, SC?

A Fresh Chapter for American Electric Vehicles in the Palmetto StateThe ambitious new Scout Motors electric vehicle plant in Columbia, South Carolina, is generating significant buzz, but recent industry reports suggest the road ahead may not be as smooth as initially projected. The facility—backed by Volkswagen Group—aims to revive the storied Scout name with modern all-electric SUVs and pickups, tapping into the spirit of American adventure for a new generation.Anno...

A Fresh Chapter for American Electric Vehicles in the Palmetto State

The ambitious new Scout Motors electric vehicle plant in Columbia, South Carolina, is generating significant buzz, but recent industry reports suggest the road ahead may not be as smooth as initially projected. The facility—backed by Volkswagen Group—aims to revive the storied Scout name with modern all-electric SUVs and pickups, tapping into the spirit of American adventure for a new generation.

Announced in early 2023, the plant will cover 1,600 acres and could bring more than 4,000 jobs to the region, with a long-term goal of building up to 200,000 vehicles annually. Construction is well underway, and Scout Motors is touting the project’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, leveraging renewable energy and resource conservation.

However, Scout’s timetable and sales projections are facing new uncertainties. Federal policy changes and a shift in consumer sentiment have cast a shadow over the EV industry’s once-rapid trajectory. The current administration’s adjustment of tax credits and stricter eligibility requirements for EV buyers have made it harder for some consumers to benefit from incentives, slowing adoption. As a result, Scout—like several other automakers—is recalibrating expectations, keeping a close eye on market response.

Despite these challenges, Scout remains committed to its brand relaunch, banking on nostalgia, robust design, and the growing demand for American-made vehicles. Yet, there’s no denying that headwinds—ranging from supply chain issues to evolving regulatory landscapes—are forcing manufacturers nationwide to rethink strategies.

As the first new Scouts are expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027, all eyes will be on Columbia. Success here could signal a fresh wave of American EV innovation—or serve as a case study in how policy and market forces shape the future of the industry.

Still, optimism remains strong across South Carolina’s growing EV corridor. Local leaders see the Scout Motors project as more than a single investment—it’s a catalyst for a statewide transformation. Suppliers, battery innovators, and tech startups are already eyeing the Midlands region for expansion, hoping to ride the momentum of this high-profile venture. State universities are also partnering with Scout to develop training programs, ensuring a skilled workforce for the next generation of auto manufacturing. If the company can navigate the shifting market and deliver on its promises, Columbia could become a centerpiece of America’s electric future—where heritage, technology, and southern industry meet to redefine mobility.

Columbia’s Finlay Park set to reopen Nov. 15 after $24 million renovation

Finlay Park will reopen on Nov. 15 after a $24 million renovation, featuring new playgrounds, a splash pad, pickleball courts, and the Jam Room Music Festival.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 lead...

Finlay Park will reopen on Nov. 15 after a $24 million renovation, featuring new playgrounds, a splash pad, pickleball courts, and the Jam Room Music Festival.

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 children."

The city says the project is more than just restoring the iconic fountain. The renovation includes a hillside playground, a splash pad, an outdoor fitness area, pickleball courts and space for festivals and concerts.

City officials are also budgeting $2 million in the park's first year for safety and operations, with plans for cameras, emergency call boxes, police presence, and park rangers on duty.

“All the amenities don’t mean anything if people don’t feel comfortable being in the space,” said Henry Simons, Columbia’s assistant city manager of operations. “So, we were very intentional about that, making sure that we have the appropriate presence to make people feel comfortable being in this park.”

Residents say they are eager to see Finlay Park come back to life, both for its new amenities and the memories tied to its past.

“It was awesome back then, and I’m just waiting now for the fountain to be revived and the waterfall to come back on again,” said architect and Columbia resident Rohit Patel. “That will be really awesome. It brings back memories.”

Simons said the goal goes beyond new structures. “We're just looking forward to giving back to our citizens in a way that you've never seen it before,” he said. “We're just excited about everyone to see the work that's been done and how it's gonna impact this city.”

The grand reopening will also serve as the new home for the Jam Room Music Festival. The Nov. 15 event will feature 10 acts on two stages, including performances in the park’s new amphitheater.

City leaders said the reopening is not just about cutting a ribbon, it is about restoring a gathering place built to last for future generations.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.