In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy. Hot & humid. High of 93, low of 74.

📰 Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center Recognized for Excellence & Community Impact

📌 7/29 - 8/2: Just Between Friends Back to School Resale Event

📌 7/29: Free Ice Cream Making Event at Fairview Park

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center Recognized for Excellence & Community Impact

The City of Columbia is proud to announce that the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center (ARC) recently received outstanding results in a nationally recognized Advanced Audit conducted by Ellis & Associates. This top-tier safety evaluation reinforces the Aquatics and Recreation Center (or ARC’s) role as a first-class facility dedicated to wellness, recreation, and community connection.

The audit, performed by a national staff auditor from Ellis & Associates, reviewed lifeguard performance, facility readiness, and administrative compliance. The ARC earned “EXCEEDS” ratings in key operational categories, with lifeguards recognized for consistent vigilance, professionalism, and preparedness. All facility equipment and documentation were also found to be in complete compliance, reflecting the exceptional quality of ARC operations and staff.

The ARC continues to serve as a vibrant destination for Columbia residents of all ages. From June 1 to July 15, the facility recorded more than 8,000 member scan-ins and 6,380 day pass visits—averaging 174 daily visits. Active memberships currently total 2,128, reflecting the strong and growing demand for the facility’s diverse amenities and programming.

“This audit result is a reflection of our talented and committed staff and a testament to the ARC’s growing impact in our community,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “We’re seeing more residents use the facility each day, and we’re proud to continue investing in a place that promotes health, wellness, and meaningful connections.”

The City has allocated $2 million in this fiscal year to facility enhancements that will further improve the ARC’s services. These upgrades include renovations to the pool and splash pad, a new roof, parking lot resurfacing, restroom improvements, HVAC upgrades, a new outdoor classroom, and internal structural modifications to improve flow and accessibility.

“The recent excellent audit report on pool operations is a testimony to the efforts of Parks and Recreation Director Mack Regan and his staff. It’s also a good first step as we move forward with renovations to the pools and facility as a whole,” said City Manager Tony Massey.

The ARC offers a wide range of programs designed to bring people together and support an active lifestyle. From Bingo and Kids Bootcamp to the Junior Lifeguard program, Lego Block Parties, and the Open Play Video Game Lounge, there is something for everyone. The recent addition of the Hickory Ridge Walking and Mountain Biking Trail has also expanded the facility’s offerings into the great outdoors.

“Our team is proud to deliver high-quality service and safe recreation opportunities each and every day,” said Parks & Recreation Director Mack Reagan. “The ARC continues to thrive as a space where people come to grow stronger, make memories, and stay connected to their community.”

With strong participation, continued investment, and national recognition for safety and excellence, the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center stands as a shining example of the City’s commitment to building a healthier, more connected Columbia.

For more information about ARC programming and facility updates, visit here.

7/29 - 8/2: Just Between Friends Back to School Resale Event

At Just Between Friends Spring Hill/Franklin, you and your family can SAVE MONEY and MAKE MONEY on kids' clothes, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment & more... all in one safe, clean, and organized place (all from other local families like yours) saving you time and money. 

This is an ALL SEASONS sale, so come find everything you need for the remainder of the summer, as well as for the fall & winter months at our upcoming sale!

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐭𝐨-𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞: July 29-Aug. 2

Shop all clothing, shoes, backpacks, lunch bags, sports gear, books, games, and MORE 

...all located in ONE place, with prices marked up to 50-90% OFF retail pricing 

At every sale, you’ll find gently-loved AND new clothes, toys, shoes, books, baby gear, and more! Everything from baby to maternity wear!

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟗 - 𝐀𝐮𝐠. 𝟐 (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 w/online pass)

Tuesday, July 29, 5pm-9pm
Wednesday, July 30, 9am-9pm
Thursday, July 31, 9am-9pm
Friday, Aug. 1, 9am-9pm
Saturday, Aug. 2, 8am-2pm (𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘)

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

Spring Hill Event Center
1018 Parkway Dr.
Spring Hill, TN 37174

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬’ 𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞? Clear the clutter and make some MONEY - Find out how here.

7/29: Free Ice Cream Making Event at Fairview Park

Scoop up some fun this summer by making your own ice cream from scratch. This hands-on activity invites participants to create their own frozen treat using simple ingredients like cream, milk, and vanilla extract.

Once the base is ready, you’ll have the chance to personalize your creation with a variety of sweet add-ins. Whether you prefer sprinkles, candies, or something else entirely, the choice is yours.

This program is perfect for all ages and offers a fun, interactive way to learn, create, and enjoy a classic summer favorite. All supplies are provided—just bring your curiosity and appetite for something sweet.

Tuesday, July 29, 1:00 PM - FREE
Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center
871 Iron Bridge Rd.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Sunday, July 27th

• Sip & Solve Puzzle Competition at Grinder’s Switch - 2:00 - 4:00 PM

• Mid Tennessee Record Fair - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Monday, July 28th

• Vet 2 Vet Breakfast Meet Up at Puckett’s - 7:00 - 9:00 AM

Tuesday, July 29th

• Network Columbia Business Networking Meet Up at The Factory - 9:00 AM

• Stroller Workouts & Walks at Riverwalk Park - 9:00 - 10:00 AM

• Ice Cream Making Event at Fairview Park - 1:00 PM

• Hampshire Farmer's Market - 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• Lego Lab at Maury County Public Library - 4:30 - 5:30 PM

• Kids’ Back to School Resale Event (Spring Hill) - 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, July 30th

• Kids’ Back to School Resale Event (Spring Hill) - 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• Vet2Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s - 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Thursday, July 31st

• Connect Spring Hill at Viking Pizza - 9:00 - 10:00 AM 

• Kids’ Back to School Resale Event (Spring Hill) - 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 1-9: Williamson County Fair
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, July 27th

Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM