The Alabama Historical Commission held a public dedication of the Cahaba Blueway access site located at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park on Monday afternoon.

A small crowd arrived at the dedication where Cahaba Blueway Coordinator Brian Rushing explained the Cahaba Blueway mission.

According to Rushing, the Cahaba Blueway program was developed to raise awareness of the river as a recreational destination, provide navigational information, and make getting on and off the water easier.

In addition to the new signs at Old Cahawba Archeological Park and Elam Holley, Sr. Park, new infrastructure has been added to the Clear Creek and Vine Street access points to improve river accessibility.

Old Cahawba set out to improve access points by adding infrastructure to access points that is safe, durable and environmentally sustainable.

“We want to improve public access to the river, but do so in a way that doesn’t [negatively] impact the resource that we’re trying to celebrate,” said Rushing.

Rushing says that there are almost too many reason to count why the Cahaba River is such a great ecotourism destination.

“It’s one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America,” said Rushing. “It’s more than just a water trail.”

The Cahawba Blueway program was also developed to bring in ecotourists from outside the region.

Old Cahawba Archeological Director Linda Derry believes that the program will bring a boost in visitors to both Old Cahawba as well as the rest of Selma.

“Whenever I go on the river it’s renewing to my spirit,” said Derry. “I think having this new trail will restore life to this river.”