Selma Mayor George Evans and other city council members broke ground Thursday on the last major project of his tenure in office.

Work will begin in the next four or five weeks on Selma Butterfly Park by the Riverfront, which will feature a children’s playground.

“This is an opportunity for us to again revitalize our city and our beautiful area here,” Evans said. “This fall construction will begin … the play area is not only designed for children but also members of the community and tourists from everywhere.”

The playground is in City Councilman Michael Johnson’s ward, but he hopes all of Selma will take advantage of the park and its view of the Alabama River when completed.

“I want to thank Mayor Evans for the idea about the park here and the workers that helped him organize it,” Johnson said. “I think it’s one of the best things we could have done for the kids because this is a beautiful place. I want to let other wards know this is not about Ward 8. It’s for everybody. Please everybody come support it.”

Councilman Cecil Williamson was also present for the groundbreaking and gave the opening prayer.

Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce destination/marketing coordinator Landon Nichols said the park would be a draw for residents and tourists alike.

“This is such an exciting thing, not just for the community members of Selma, but to give us an opportunity to get out for recreation,” Nichols said.

“This is incredible for our tourist infrastructure. Building out that tourist infrastructure and having a place for our visitors to go and having things for them to do is so critical for us to develop our tourist economy.”

Selma Butterfly Park by the Riverfront is located along the banks of the Alabama River near the intersection of Franklin Street and Water Avenue.

Prior to Thursday’s dedication, brush had been cleared along the entire Riverfront Park, allowing for an unobstructed view of the river and bridge. Evans has said he wanted to get the riverfront cleared and park’s future secured before leaving office.

“I had some funds in my budget that I could use, so I went ahead and got that riverside cleared up to you can look at the water while you’re sitting on the bench or walking the walking trail,” Evans said.