There’s plenty that could be said about the state of Selma’s downtown.

In some areas, growth is happening and improvements are being made. In other areas of Selma’s downtown, the opposite is just as true.

Many times before, we have written that Selma’s success — and the success of any small town — is directly related to the success of its downtown.

In most cases, our downtown is the first image visitors have to our city and it should be the very best image we could ever present to those coming in.

While we can celebrate such success as the work done by some business and building owners to refurbish their buildings and businesses, there are just as many building and business owners who have failed to put their best foot forward.

As we continue to celebrate and congratulate the city of Selma for keeping the historic St. James Hotel alive, the broken shutters, windows, gutters and peeling paint leave a bad taste in the mouth of those who look very closely at the structure.

But, there is one thing that has been under development — and under development for some time — that we can all celebrate and that is the Riverfront Park.

Friday evening, the park was again alive with activity as the city turned out for the lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree and fireworks over the Alabama River.

This marked the second large event in the park since the Labor Day fireworks in September.

This park continues to be a great asset for the community and one that must be used more to reach its full potential. And, we’re glad the city is making every effort to put the space to use.

While the amphitheater project continues to be one that might stretch on for another decade, the vision of a beautiful green space along the city’s riverfront is a reality.

There is plenty of work that remains needed in Selma’s downtown and we will continue to push those in charge to focus on what can be done to get those improvements made. But, there is also a lot of work that has been done and for that we are truly grateful.