Selma is on its way. To finish the project may take years, but the first steps toward reclaiming downtown and turning it into a show place began Tuesday morning.

The Riverfront Park project does more than begin to provide a place for families and friends to gather and enjoy fellowship. The beginning of the park will also increase the value of the properties that surround it. As the park grows, so will businesses and other places of interest.

But there’s another benefit observed Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony. People came together to celebrate something positive. They tossed aside the sweltering heat, made jokes about it and took time to honor work accomplished by the city to prepare for this day.

Mayor George Evans said it best, “I’m convinced without a doubt, this one piece right here is going to change the dynamics of Selma something greatly. I visualize some things happening in Selma once this project is completed that we’ve never seen before.”

To those naysayers that complain about crime, corruption and the failure of the city to rise to its potential, we say, watch.

This is a long-term project. There will be bumps in the road.

But now, let us celebrate the beginning of change.