City of Forest Acres

09/09/2026

This is what community looks like. 💚👮‍♂️🚓

A heartfelt thank you to Eastminster Presbyterian Church for their generous $5,000 donation to the Forest Acres Public Safety Foundation. 💚

Eastminster’s gift to support the Forest Acres Police Department is more than a financial contribution … it is a meaningful show of appreciation for the men and women who serve our community every day.

As their letter to FAPD so kindly expressed, serving as a first responder is more than a job. It is a commitment to step forward when others need help and put the safety of others first.

For a city with one of the smaller municipal budgets in the Midlands, public-private partnerships like this allow us to extend the impact of public dollars and invest even more in our community - and those who serve it.

We are grateful to Eastminster for recognizing that sacrifice, standing behind our officers, investigators, dispatchers, police administration, and staff and investing in the safety of Forest Acres.

09/08/2026

Let’s Run Forest Acres! 🏃‍♂️🌳🏃‍♀️

We loved seeing our city streets come alive early Labor Day morning as we welcomed 350 runners of all ages to Forest Acres for Strictly Running’s Labor Day 5K & 10K! 🇺🇸

It never gets old seeing our community come alive through events like these … and Gills Creek Memorial Park has proven to be a tremendous community asset, giving runners, families and neighbors a beautiful place to gather, move and connect.

Our City Council loves seeing the park activated throughout the day and across all seasons.

With scenic, tree-lined streets, shady routes, beautiful homes and our signature waterways, Forest Acres is quickly becoming a premier running destination in the Midlands.

From Strictly Running’s races throughout the year to Lexington Health’s Heart & Sole Women’s 5-Miler, there’s always a good reason to lace up and run Forest Acres.

Make sure to follow Strictly Running and LexHealth Heart and Sole Women’s Five Miler so you don’t miss a chance to run the next one with us 🌳🏃‍♀️💚

09/08/2026

🏛️ City Council meets Tuesday!

Council will take up a full agenda, including a presentation from the Forest Acres Public Safety Foundation, a proposed agreement with Columbia Green, Hospitality Tax funding, Planning Commission and Public Safety Foundation appointments, and zoning matters. Council will also hear updates on the Richland Mall redevelopment, parks, grants, public safety and more.

As always, residents are welcome to attend in person or via zoom to stay plugged in on what’s happening in Forest Acres. 🌳

📅 September 8, 2026
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 City Council Chambers | 5205 N. Trenholm Rd.

09/06/2026

Reminder - a holiday week creates changes in the trash pickup schedule.

Monday is the Labor Day Holiday so our staff has the day off and city hall is closed.

Monday routes will be collected Tuesday.
Tuesday routes will be collected Wednesday.

Thursday and Friday pickups are as usual.

Monday and Tuesday routes - share with your neighbors!

09/04/2026

They saw what Forest Acres was missing… and built it. 😎🌳🍨

Six months. $1 million in sales. And more than 70 local fundraisers later, Ken and Sarah Barlow are proving that a great idea + a great community = something pretty special at 16 Handles Forest Acres 🩷

Their secret? They didn’t just open a business here. They became part of the fabric of Forest Acres. 🙌🏻

We love seeing local entrepreneurs spot an opportunity, take a chance and make our community even better along the way.

We get asked a lot at the city what is the formula for a successful small business in The Acres and we always say -> Community from day one. Forest Acres has a super loyal customer base but you have to open well from day one and you have to have that small town centered feel.

And 16 Handels Forest Acres nailed it from jump.

👏 Congrats, Ken & Sarah! We’re so glad you’re with us here in Forest Acres at Trenholm Plaza aka The Best Shopping District in all of Columbia 👑

Read the full story in Entrepreneur 💻 in our stories!

And what are we still missing? A good sports bar, a family burger and chicken tender spot, a tap room with pizza, and upscale classic Italian is what we often hear from citizens!

09/03/2026

Need something from the City? There’s now an easier way. 🌳📲 🙌🏻

GovWell puts City services at your fingertips + we think you’re going to 💚💚💚 this upgrade.

We’re talking everything: code enforcement complaints, pot holes, missed trash pickup, need a new roll cart, a tree removal application 🌳🌳 - heck, even a goat 🐐 grazing application - can now all be handled online!

… and you can track the progress of your request IN REAL TIME 👏👏👏

GovWell Forest Acres is now online at forestacres.net 💻

Check it out here 👇

https://forestacres.net/forest-acres-rolls-out-govwell-improve-efficiency

08/31/2026

The City’s HTAX committee will meet tomorrow morning to discuss a grant request from Satchel Ford Elementary School.

The request is for $2500 toward their fundraiser, Freaky Friday.

The meeting is at 9:15 am in city council chambers at FAPD. Citizens may join in person or via zoom.

08/30/2026

We ask that you please keep these officers, their families, and their brothers and sisters in blue in your thoughts and prayers.

The Forest Acres Police Department stands with our brothers and sisters at the Columbia Police Department following today’s tragic shooting that claimed the life of Officer Chris DeLong and left Officer David Dymock shot in the line of duty.

This tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day when they put on the uniform and answer the call to serve and protect our communities.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer DeLong’s family, Officer Dymock and his family, their fellow officers and the entire Columbia Police Department. We pray for strength and comfort for Officer DeLong’s loved ones and for Officer Dymock’s recovery.

Today, we stand with Columbia—and with every officer who puts their life on the line for our communities each day.

💙🖤💔 Columbia Police Department, SC

08/12/2026

Please join us in congratulating our very own Forest Acres Police Department Chief Robinson on his upcoming retirement 👏👏 We are grateful he served an extra five years with our city to modernize our force and lead us into the future.

Today, we share some bittersweet news: FAPD Chief Don Robinson has announced his intent to retire after nearly 35 years in law enforcement, including nearly five years of dedicated service to the Forest Acres Police Department.

“After nearly 35 years in law enforcement, I believe the time has come to prioritize my family and the next chapter of life,” Chief Robinson said. “Although I am retiring from this position, my commitment to Forest Acres remains unwavering.”

Chief Robinson has given so much to the City of Forest Acres - not only through his leadership and work to modernize our department, but through the countless hours, nights and weekends he has spent keeping Forest Acres safe. As a longtime Forest Acres resident, he has always understood what makes this community special.

“We are incredibly grateful for Chief Robinson’s leadership and his round-the-clock, relentless dedication to modernizing our police department,” said Mayor Thomas Andrews. “He has given this city five more years, and we will always be grateful for the experience, investigative talents and commitment he brought to our community.”

Chief Robinson will remain in his role while the City conducts a comprehensive search for our next Chief, helping ensure a seamless transition.

Please join us in thanking Chief Robinson for his extraordinary service to Forest Acres and congratulating him on a well-earned retirement. We are grateful for all he has given our community and wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter.

Read more here:

https://www.forestacres.net/forest-acres-police-chief-don-robinson-announces-retirement-comprehensive-search-begin