Driving down Water Avenue, a visible change is noticeable at the construction of the soon-to-be waterfront amphitheater. We commend the city for taking large strides in completing phase one of the project, and we encourage more progress to be made.

The amphitheater will play a pivotal role in downtown entertainment once completed. With a prime location, we hope this new asset to our city will draw not only Selma and Dallas County residents, but also visitors from around the state and region.

It is important that we continue to cultivate our downtown area. More buildings should be restored and made into community venues, such as the amphitheater.

We encourage city and county leaders to view the amphitheater as the first of many projects that will grow our historic, downtown district and move Selma into the future. Our city is overflowing with vacant buildings waiting to be restored.

Within a few short years, Selma has the potential to be a popular destination for entertainment, shopping and so much more.