The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County held a grand opening ceremony this past Thursday to celebrate the opening of its new soccer fields and walking trail.

Ann Murray, executive director of the YMCA, said it was an exciting moment, and she should be proud it, as well as the many people that made both the fields and trail possible.

The fields opened a few weeks ago with the start of the YMCA’s soccer season, and the walking trail opened at the beginning of the month. The soccer fields have been a work in progress over the last two years and was funded by grants from Pepsi Selma and Alabama Beverage Association. The Selma Rotary Club was also awarded a grant for bleachers for the field.

The walking trail was also the work of community partners. Murray said it was made possible with help from Alabama Power Company.

The Y and its many partners should be very proud of the work they have accomplished together. It takes partners to see projects through, and we’re glad to see people working together to make a difference in the community.

The new fields will allow Y soccer players to play their games at the Y instead of other locations, and the trail will get people outside and a chance to get off the treadmill.