Recently, I had the chance to drive around Vicksburg’s waterfront. It was a short trip, as not much of it is developed for visitors — or residents — to drive through, see or enjoy, but still I drove.

As The Post has written previously in editorials, the city’s waterfront is in desperate need of attention and investment.

But, I understand, as many others do, that change does not come quickly, even in areas crying out for love and attention.

A large section of concrete has broken away on the boat launch area, nearly at the exact spot those enjoying a riverboat cruise up and down the Mississippi disembark for their day in Vicksburg.

Yep, that is the first thing they get to see up close and personal in Vicksburg — a hole and caution tape. And, while the repairs are likely very simple to make, regulations and oversight by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on waterfront issues is required.

Still, making such a repair should not take this long.

This all goes back to what we find important to Vicksburg. And, what is important to some of us is quite different than what is important to someone else. That is what makes living in a community both frustrating and wonderful.

Still, Vicksburg’s waterfront is something we can all agree is tremendously important to our city, to our county.

The waterfront is at the very doorstep of our community for thousands of visitors each year, many of who never have the chance to go far beyond Vicksburg’s downtown.

It is an impression that must be done right, as it is in most cases, the very first — and often lasting — impression of Vicksburg.

In December, the newspaper called for an advisory board to be created to plan out the future of Vicksburg’s waterfront. It called for representatives from the chamber, the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, and others.

Setting up an advisory board, committee, or whatever, is a crucial step. It is important that we as a community — and as a business community — work with our partners at the Corps of Engineers to put together a comprehensive plan for what the waterfront could and should become.

In the past few weeks, I have talked with others who also are excited about the impact a proposed sports complex would mean for Vicksburg and our thoughts on the feasibility study released, showing a park would likely be successful.

Why can’t a similar plan, complete with long-range development plans, be put together on how we can maximize one of our greatest assets? Our waterfront is one of our community’s greatest God-given gifts, it is long past time for us all to appreciate and develop it to its true potential.

Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com.