A park is rising from the rubble of a building on Water Avenue.

It’s called Phoenix Park, named partially for an old building that once stood on the avenue, but in the greater sense, its benefactors aspire for it to become much like the mythical bird that rose from the ashes.

Nancy Smith, a resident of Old Town, said she grew tired of seeing the vacant lot across from the St. James Hotel. She visited a park in Prattville and drew her idea for a similar place for people together.

“It was something that was doable and would make some difference for Water Avenue,” Smith said of the plan.

Smith went to Charlotte Griffeth, director of the Community Development Department for Selma, to share ideas. Another planner and park advocate, Karen Weir, was there. The three women began talking plans.

“Mayor George Evans walked in and said, ‘Let’s do it,’” Smith said.

On Tuesday, during its regular meeting, the Selma City Council approved the building of Phoenix Park.

“It’s in my ward,” councilman Corey Bowie said. “It’s an asset to the ward and a good outlet where citizens can go out and enjoy sitting down with nature.”

Workers will begin moving dirt and trenching for electricity today. Plans call for some security lights and a security camera on the spot. Concrete pads are also in the plans. That’s where the chairs, tables with umbrellas and other seats will go, Smith said.

Griffeth said $10,000 for the park was included in the budget for this fiscal year. But it might not take the entire allotted amount because of the donations received.

Already Smith and her mother, Mallieve Breeding, also known as Madam Butterfly, have donated all of the plants going in the park.

Breeding gave the park a maple tree in honor of her parents. Breeding’s father, Charles Wicker, owned Wicker’s, which was at one time directly across the street from today’s park.

Other donations are needed, Smith said, for seating, chairs, tables and umbrellas.

“So people will be able to sit down,” she said.

The city and Smith would like to see most of the park completed before the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, which begins March 3.