FOLEY, Ala. — More than 50 people descended on Foley’s Heritage Park Thursday afternoon for a ceremony to break ground on the Centennial Plaza.

“This is a great event and will be great for Foley,” Mayor John Koniar said.

With emotion in her voice, Centennial Plaza Committee Chair Carolyne Hollis echoed those sentiments.

“This is one of the most exciting and meaningful things I’ve been involved with in this community,” she said. “It’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

The plaza will house a 52-foot musical clock tower, which can provide power for a keyboard so concerts can be held on the stage that will boast columns and a brick walkway.

Dave Shope of Sandalwood Development Inc. said the sidewalk in the fenced-in portion of the park would be removed shortly after the ceremony. The next step will be to reroute water and gas lines.

“This is going to be a fun little project,” said project superintendent J.J. Hoeschen.

Centennial Plaza Committee representative David Vosloh said the project should be completed in November.

Foley City Council President Wayne Trawick explained the significance of the Plaza, which will commemorate the Forward City’s June 8, 1915 incorporation.

“It’s a big deal,” he said. “It’s our 100-year birthday.”

Plans for the project have been under way for some time.

“We’ve been working on this thing probably five years,” Trawick said. “It’s good to see it come to fruition.”

City Administrator Mike Thompson agreed and credited the spate of volunteers in Foley who helped to bring about the plaza and upcoming year-long anniversary celebration.

“It’s a testament to the community,” he said.