Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. following concerns over disruptive “teen takeover” gatherings
The City of Columbia has adopted a permanent Unaccompanied Minors Policy for Finlay Park, requiring anyone 17 years old or younger to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult after 5 p.m.
City officials said the policy is part of an ongoing effort to maintain a safe, welcoming and family-friendly environment for residents and visitors.
The policy follows a temporary measure implemented earlier this year after the city received reports of possible “teen takeover” gatherings at events held in Finlay Park. Beginning in May, juveniles were required to be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. during certain events as a precautionary step to help ensure public safety.
According to city officials, no complaints or incidents related to teen takeovers were reported in Finlay Park after the temporary policy was enacted. Officials also noted that no additional takeover events occurred despite social media reports promoting such gatherings.
However, city leaders pointed to an incident during the June 20 Juneteenth celebration at Finlay Park as evidence that disruptive gatherings can emerge without advance warning. Officials said similar incidents have occurred at community events across the country, creating challenges for municipalities and law enforcement agencies.
Under the permanent policy, anyone age 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult at least 21 years old to enter or remain in Finlay Park after 5 p.m. seven days a week. The policy also includes supervision requirements for chaperones and exemptions for approved events, work-related activities, organized programs and permitted group functions.
Following the Juneteenth incident, City Manager Teresa Wilson, Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook and other city officials held a media briefing to discuss the event, public safety measures and the city’s response moving forward.
“I am frustrated and disappointed that this celebrated Juneteenth community event was disrupted by several groups of young people engaged in fights and disruptive behavior,” Holbrook said. “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.”
Wilson praised SC Juneteenth Freedom Fest organizers Tina Torres and Jamal Bradley for their efforts in planning the event and emphasized that the actions of a small number of individuals should not overshadow the positive contributions of local youth.
“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,” Wilson said. “There will be no toleration for these takeover incidents in our community.”
City officials said efforts will continue to ensure public spaces and community events remain safe, family-friendly and enjoyable for all attendees.
