The Rotary Club of Dawson County has plans to build a kid's splash fountain at Rock Creek Park.

"I'd like to start working on it today and have it ready tomorrow, but we have to go through the correct channels," said Vernon Smith, who was installed as the club's 2013-14 president on July 11.

"Our plan is to have it ready to open with a big community celebration for Memorial Day."

Though still in the initial planning stages, the 41-foot concrete splash pad would feature numerous sprinklers and zero depth, so there would be no standing water to worry parents with smaller children.

"There will be an activation button the little kids could push to start the sprinklers so it's not running all the time," he said.

With the Rotary Club's signature gold and blue emblem as the focal point, the splash pad would be near the toddler playground at the front of the park and be surrounded by a row of benches.

"This is going to be something the entire community can be proud of and is something the Rotary Club of Dawson County can be proud of for years to come," Smith said.

The club voted last week to proceed with the plan, at an estimated cost of $36,000.

"Service above self, that's what Rotary is about, and we think this is an excellent way to show service to Dawson County," Smith said.

The proposed service project appeals to Dawson County Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Henson.

"A splash pad, like the one proposed by the Dawson Rotary Club, would be a welcome addition to Rock Creek Park," she said. "We are thrilled the local club is considering this investment in our community and the children of Dawson County."

Once the club has a firm plan for the splash zone, Henson will present the findings to the park board. From there, it would go before the county commission for approval.

Commission Chairman Mike Berg said he is anxious to hear the details and discuss the project with his fellow commissioners.

"When someone comes to you, wants to build something for the community for free ... and there's money from the club for maintenance, how do you say no," he said. "It would be a great addition to the park for the community."

Brooke Anderson, general manager of Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, said the utility is in discussions to work with the club on the project.