News Summary
The East Selma Community Pond is set to reopen on January 31, following a year of restoration efforts. The grand reopening will feature a completion ceremony organized by UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama and the city of Selma, celebrating improvements to the area and offering volunteer opportunities. Enhancements include new sidewalks, crosswalks, and pond repairs, as well as wellness initiatives to promote healthy living. Community members are invited to join the celebration and enjoy a day of connecting with nature and neighbors.
East Selma Community Pond Set to Reopen on January 31
Exciting news for the residents of Selma: the East Selma Community Pond is gearing up to welcome visitors back on January 31! After a year filled with restoration efforts, the pond has undergone some much-needed TLC, and a lovely completion ceremony will mark its grand reopening. This celebration is being organized by UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama in partnership with the city of Selma, promising a festive way to reconnect with the community.
Join the Fun: Volunteer Opportunities Await
In the spirit of community involvement, UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama is rolling out some great volunteer opportunities. Upcoming activities to prepare the pond area include tree planting and beautifying the walking trail with fence work. What a perfect chance for families, friends, and neighbors to pitch in, enjoy some fresh air, and roll up their sleeves for a worthy cause! Plus, engineering students from UAB will join the fun, lending their hands and expertise to cleanup efforts. Together, everyone can help spruce up the pond and walking trail, making them welcoming spots for all.
A Year of Transformation
The initiative to enhance the East Selma Community Pond is part of a larger mission that UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama kicked off back in 2024 after successfully working in numerous Birmingham neighborhoods for five years. The simple yet significant aim is to help reduce chronic diseases among residents while fostering a sense of community pride. While the focus has primarily been on Wards 6 and 8 in Selma, exciting plans are in the works to expand into other nearby towns like Demopolis and Camden.
Safety First: Improvements All Around
In the rebuilding process, quite a few essential upgrades have taken place in the area. For starters, an impressive 4,000 linear feet of sidewalks have seen complete replacement, 15 new ADA ramps have been added, and 17 crosswalks have been established at 14 different intersections to improve accessibility and safety for everyone. To boost visibility and safety at night, Alabama Power stepped in and repaired or replaced nearly 20 light fixtures, ensuring folks can enjoy evening strolls without worry.
The Pond is Back and Better
As for the pond itself, it has received vital repairs, including reinforcing its walls to ensure it retains water effectively. The gazebo and bathrooms around the pond have also been spruced up, making them lovely spots for resting and rejuvenating. Now, here’s the best part: fish will be stocked in the pond, set to swim around just in time for those eager anglers by March!
A Collaborative Effort
This community project has truly been a team effort, with significant support from various partners. Financial contributions from sources like Novo Nordisk have helped ensure the project’s success, while the city of Selma has facilitated permits and will cover light bills for the new fixtures. Construction and landscaping efforts were carried out by Caddell Construction and GMC architecture firm, marking a true collaborative spirit in making Selma a better place.
Wellness Comes to the Community
But that’s not all! In an exciting effort to promote health and nutrition, a mobile wellness van and a mobile grocery van are set to launch. These initiatives aim to enhance the community’s access to healthy food and wellness resources, ultimately creating a healthier environment for all residents.
Mark Your Calendars
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the reopening ceremony at the East Selma Community Pond! The fun kicks off at 10:30 a.m., and parking is available at Second Baptist Church on Hardie Avenue. The celebration won’t stop there; everyone is invited to join for a delicious lunch at the Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church afterward. Enjoy reconnecting with the pond and the community!
The East Selma Community Pond is more than just a serene body of water; it symbolizes hope, growth, and the unity of Selma’s residents. Reopening day is bound to be a joy-filled occasion, bringing community members together to celebrate the beautification and ongoing efforts that make this city shine.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Birmingham is a Doomed City: Pioneering Writer James Baldwin’s Intricate Relationship with Alabama
Additional Resources
- Black Belt News Network: East Selma Community Pond Renovated
- Wikipedia: Selma, Alabama
- Black Belt News Network: Volunteers Needed for Pond Beautification
- Google Search: Community Beautification Projects
- Selma Sun: Road Closures for Paving
- Google Scholar: East Selma Community Pond Renovation
- Selma Sun: Police Request Info on Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Health Initiatives
- Black Belt News Network: East Selma Pond Reopening Video
- Google News: Selma AL
