Plans to build a new multi-million dollar park downtown to show off the Alabama River and those areas near remains a top priority with the city’s community development department and others.

The Riverfront Park stands as a major project — one of the largest seen in Selma in decades. The first phase is under way. It will include a walkway and lighting parallel to the river.

Just a block away from this proposed park are night clubs that cater to those who see more adult fun. Some of these clubs don’t open until after 10 p.m. and don’t shut down until close to 3 a.m. the following day.

Nothing much any good happens on the streets after midnight.

The outside of these clubs have provided sites for shootings and other violent acts. Drugs are sold in some parking lots or on the street adjacent to these clubs.

If Selma is to have this wonderful family atmosphere with the Riverfront Park, something will have to happen to make the late-night streets safer.

The city and owners of these clubs will have to come to some kind of agreement and stick to it. Both groups have a responsibility to those who would enjoy the beauty of downtown.