The process of completing the Riverwalk received a shot in the arm Wednesday as the Selma Board of Realtors donated $1,500 to place a bench in the area.

The donation, board president A.C. Reeves said, is the first step in making the park a reality, which is beneficial across the board.

“Our feeling is anything that is positive for our community only helps us sell houses,” she said. “We spend all day long every day selling Selma.”

Treasurer Gail Lovelady said the donation is part of the group’s commitment to action. Many times, she said people lobby complaints. It is important to step up and be part of the solution.

“We are just giving back to the community,” she said. “One of the things people complain about is the quality of life. With the city doing all of this, it increases the quality of life. We want to be a part of that.”

Since plans for the project were announced, Selma Mayor George Evans said there has been a great deal of enthusiasm. The donation, he said, is an example of a group acting on their enthusiasm.

“It is awesome,” he said. “It’s an indication of how individual groups and organizations want to be a part of the progress of Selma. It’s just like the Carneal Building. Groups came together to make that happen, and we appreciate any groups or individuals that want to be a part of building this park.”

The city, Lovelady said, stepped forward to make improvements to the city’s downtown area. But, she added, it will take help from the community to keep the project moving forward.

“Our government has invested, now we as citizens need to invest,” she said. “We would like to challenge other members and organizations to make a pledge and donate.”

Individuals and organizations are welcome, Evans said, to make donations toward benches, bike racks, bricks, trashcans and other items. He also said there are a number of other projects that need help from the community to  move forward.

“I think it is just a good time and people are excited about what is happening in our city,” he said. “I encourage others to be a part of this.”

For more information on how to make donations to  the Riverwalk and other projects, call 874-2101.