Shelby County is one of the fastest growing counties in America.

Industry and development are booming. Subdivisions and businesses are popping up everywhere. All of our cities and towns &045; especially Pelham, Helena, Chelsea and Calera &045; are growing at seemingly breakneck speed.

And I’m all for it. Virtually anyone in the county who wants a job has a job. Sales tax dollars are allowing municipalities to improve our roads, give generously to our schools and improve the quality of life for everyone.

But with this said, I&8217;m also equally glad that two communities are establishing (or trying to establish) parks, little green spaces in the midst of all this massive growth. Sure, we have the best park in the state in Oak Mountain, but it&8217;s also good to see retreats nearby, in each community.

Montevallo would be missing something without its unique tree carvings at Orr Park.

(Likewise for the manmade waterfall at Helena&8217;s Buck Creek Park.)

That&8217;s why it was good to hear about Wilsonville openings its first park this past Saturday. I applaud Wilsonville and Shelby County for working together to build the new Oak Meadow Park. Before last week, Wilsonville residents only had the elementary school&8217;s playground and a small oval walking track to call a &8220;park.&8221; Today Wilsonville has a beautiful lighted track, green soccer fields and new playground equipment. Families can enjoy a picnic at the pavilions too.

The park is a nice addition to the small town and will be used by residents for many years to come.

I also appreciate Mr. Henry Emfinger&8217;s effort to establish a county park at Davis Falls just outside Montevallo. He is trying to take a place that has meant much to him throughout his life and allow other people to enjoy it too.

I hiked with Mr. Emfinger out to Davis Falls last week, and he is right, it is quite a beauty. I hope the County Commission will be able to work something out so everyone can visit the falls.

It&8217;s important no matter how fast-paced, how &8220;develop&8221; we are today that we keep places like Davis Falls and other unique to Shelby County landmarks protected for everyone