Main Street to get more seating options

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Thirteen additional tables and 36 more chairs will expand available seating on Main Street through a partnership between the City of Columbia Planning and Development Services and an AARP community challenge grant.

The additional seating will be located in the 1300 block of Main Street to accommodate pedestrian traffic and special event needs.

Last year, community idea hub What’s Next Midlands provided eight tables and 16 chairs for Main Street, specifically for Soda City Market and First Thursdays.

“We’re thankful for amazing partners like AARP for investing in Columbia’s efforts to become a more inclusive and thoughtful city,” Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said in a news release. “We’ve seen the great response from our residents when we do simple things like putting out more tables and chairs, and we’re excited to have even more opportunities for people to gather and fellowship.”

Teresa Arnold, AARP state director, said Columbia is the first S.C. city accepted into the AARP and the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly City program. Launched in 2006, the international effort helps cities with increased urbanization prepare for an aging population.

“When approved for full membership, Columbia will join many towns and cities across the country working to make livable communities thrive,” Arnold said.