Pick-A-Park: Sims Park

Today's adventure led us to Sims Park (3500 Duncan Street). This park almost made me wish I paid taxes in Columbia! 

Sliding - Swinging - Splashing - OH MY!

This park had a parking lot, a neighborhood center, large playground, basketball court, splash pad, picnic shelter and green space. It has been by far the best park we have visited, yet.

PLAYGROUND

It was shaded and had multiple age leveled structures. If you've ever had the pleasure of park hopping in 100 degree heat in the humidity of SC, you can understand why "shaded" seems like an important adjective here.  There was only one unfortunate eye sore. One play set looks about 15 years old and is missing a swing. But, they compensated with the metal slide. Man! Those things are fast! My boss didn't think that was too wonderful, but he had PLENTY of slides from which to choose.

Nice Shaded Playground

Sketchy Older Play Structure

Slides

Another Play Structure

"Spiderman's Web"

SPLASH PAD
I think I was more excited about the splash pad than Smoke Bomb. He does not like to get his face wet. Still waiting on him to grow out of that. It did provide WONDERFUL relief in the sultry summer afternoon. I kept taking breaks to get sprinkled. I called the neighborhood center (803-733-8451) before heading out to be certain the splash pad would be on. They apparently have it on during certain times (see pic below); but, the lady on the phone assured me that if it is not on, you can just ask them to do so! How great is that!?

Splash Pad and Hours of Operation Sign

Smoke Bomb Not Appreciating the Splash Pad

Benches and Picnic Tables Surrounding the Splash Pad

Picnic Shelter

OTHER UNEXPLORED AREAS
Next to the splash pad was a shelter containing 2 picnic tables and a water fountain. Back at the neighborhood center you can find a small billiard table, tables and chairs, a television and computers with internet access. I peaked my head inside and found two adults and a couple children watching television. There is also soda machines on the porch. Also, dogs are allowed.


Great park! Definitely one to visit!

Cupcakes and Robots

1st Step:
There is a lovely gourmet cupcake place on Lincoln St in the Vista astutely named Cupcake. They sell a myriad of cupcake flavors like Red Velvet, Bourbon Pecan Pie, Chocolate Raspberry, Black & White, Caramel Macchiato, Key Lime and (my personal favorite) Chocolate Peanut Butter. Now, how is this cheap or free you may ask? Well, let me explain.

Cupcake does a Power Hour once a month. I have had difficulty pinning down the exact timing of said Power Hours, but I now have a general idea of when they happen. The past ones have occurred thusly:

January 10, 2:30-3:30
February 13, 3-4:00
March 14, 10:30-11:30
April 16, 2-3:00
May 15, 10:30-11:30
June 13, 3-4:00

So, I think it is safe to assume a Power Hour will occur before or after lunch between the 10th and 16th of the month. It seems like they shoot for the 15th...but I'm sure there are other factors involved. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook and be alerted to the Power Hours! We do!

You can also sign up for their Birthday Club and get a FREE cupcake during your birthday month.

Enjoying my FREE birthday cupcake at Cupcake

2nd Step:
A couple doors down from Cupcake are some art galleries, If Art and Lewis & Clark. My son LOVES to go into Lewis & Clark to see the lamps robots! They are galleries so looking is FREE! Yay! Cupcakes and Robots all in one spot!! Oh my!! Now, if Lewis & Clark is closed, the people at If Art will take you through the back. We've done this more often than not. Plus, If Art has the great ceramic work of Peter Lenzo on display! ENJOY!

Robot Lamps at Lewis & Clark

In these art galleries you will find flyers for other art events. This provided a lead to an exciting FREE opportunity as well! More on that to come!