Park’s first steps
Published 9:48 pm Thursday, August 25, 2011
Robert Allen, Sr., husband of the late Selma City Council president Dr. Geraldine Allen, walks along with Selma Mayor George Evans, Ward 8 city council member Corey Bowie and Ward 2 city council member Susan Keith during the inaugural walk along the trail named after Dr. Allen who died April 2010. The trail is part of the Riverwalk Park project still under construction. Find more photos from the event on the Times-Journal’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/selmatimesjournal. -- Tim Reeves
Sweltering heat and humidity did not deter the impressive crowds who gathered just left of the Edmund Pettus Bridge Thursday evening for the ribbon cutting of the new Riverfront Park walking trail.
The trail, covering 1.4 miles in length and resting just off Water Avenue in downtown Selma, is the first step in a series of future developments — such as a gazebo, outdoor amphitheater and playground.
Selma Mayor George Evans and Selma City Council representatives thanked planners and developers — both past and present — for their dedication in helping to make the 20-year vision possible.
“I know we have other needs in our city … this is just one piece of the puzzle to make the big picture,” Evans said. “All we’ve done is taken it off the paper and put it on the ground. We’re fortunate and blessed … please join me in making this successful.”
Council president Cecil Williamson said the unveiling was a special moment for the city.
“This will be the showcase to Selma … I believe our city has a bright future,” Williamson said. “This is the first day of Selma’s future.”
Evans said he appreciated the heavy support from the citizens of Selma at Thursday’s event.
“It’s been a wonderful afternoon,” Evans said. “We appreciate the participants.”
Thanks to such partnerships as the Strategic Alliance for Health and the Vaughan Community Health Services, members of the community believe the trail is healthy and beneficial addition to the community.
“Physical activity touches so many conditions, especially chronic conditions,” said University of Alabama School of Nursing assistant professor Cassandra Ford. “Just 30 minutes of activity each day can have an impact, particularly on hypertension and high blood pressure to improve overall health.”
The city also dedicated the trail in honor of longtime Selma resident, Dr. Geraldine Allen, who served as president of the Selma City Council before her death last April. Organizers also unveiled designs for a bronze plaque, honoring Allen, which will eventually be placed alongside the walking trail.
