It won’t be long before the city of Selma will unveil a portion of the Riverfront Park to the public, giving Selma residents one more thing to be proud of.

During the park’s walking trail grand opening, set for Thursday, Aug. 25, residents will have a chance to tour the park that will be a future site for benches, water fountains, bicycle racks, community trash cans, signage, a gazebo, a water feature and a playground. City officials also assure plenty of attractions.

“There are additional things that have to be put in,” city planning and development director Charlotte Griffith said. “We’ll have a boat dock, outdoor aquarium, butterfly garden and amphitheatre. We want to make the park educational as well as kid and family friendly.”

With the help of park signage, residents using the walking trail can be educated as they walk and take in the sights and sounds of Selma when it was the economic capital of the Black Belt and the state, Griffith said.

“We’ll have an endangered species sign, with mussels, snails and sturgeon (fish),” Griffith said. “On another sign we’ll have things about nature, such as butterflies and alligators. People can read about endangered species and things … historical things … that make Selma significant.”

Selma Mayor George Evans said the grand opening is for the walking trail only and the park will be introduced in the future.

“The city council and government officials wanted a first look, an official opening of the trail,” Evans said.

Local businesses are also preparing for the big event and making changes to accommodate locals and visitors.

“We’re in the process of getting the sidewalks cleaned and sprayed … making sure the terrace and courtyard are properly groomed,” St. James Hotel assistant general manager Michelle Pullom said. “We’re setting tables out in front balconies and we’ll have a few rooms open for showrooms. On Thursday our bar will stay open continuously from 11 a.m. until and, there will be lunch specials.”

With food specials Tuesday through Saturday, even after the grand opening, Pullom said she believes the park will be a positive for Selma.

“It will most definitely bring people back to the hotel … hopefully we’ll get some local people and tourists to look at the hotel as one of the main attractions in Selma,” Pullom said. “Hopefully we’ll get Water Avenue back to how it was when it was at its prime.”

Selma City Council Ward 8 representative Corey Bowie believes the park, which rests in his ward, will enhance the quality of life for the city as a whole and, people will have a sense of pride.

“This project shows the progress Selma is making,” Bowie said. “It will help tourism, economic growth and recreation in Selma. It’s an asset for the economic growth in Selma.

“I thank the community development for their industrious work and effort up to this point,” Bowie said. “I thank the mayor (George Evans) and (Selma) city council for their drive to make Selma a better place for the citizens of Selma.”