Unaccompanied Minors Policy put in place after fights at Finlay Park

CITY OF COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The City of Columbia is going to hold a press conference with updates after fights took place at Finlay Park over the weekend.

City of Columbia leaders held a press conference at 11 p.m. Saturday night, June 20, to discuss a new permanent Unaccompanied Minors Policy for Finlay Park.

The new policy was put into place as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment for residents and visitors.

City Manager Teresa Wilson, Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook, and other City officials provided a media briefing regarding the incident that occurred during the City’s Juneteenth Celebration at Finlay Park.

During a press conference on Monday, June 22, the new policy will be put in place 7 days a week, says City Manager Teresa Wilson.

City officials also gave out resources during the press conference for the youth to help keep them out of trouble.

READ MORE: Following fights, City of Columbia announces “Permanent Unaccompanied Minor Policy” for Finlay Park

The organizer of the event released a statement after the incidents that took place over the weekend:

“We will not allow the actions of a few people to define the thousands who came in peace, celebrated responsibly, and represented our community well. We will conduct a full after action review with public safety partners, strengthen our event safety planning, and continue building youth and community programming that creates positive spaces for learning, leadership, culture, and connection.”