A water fixture that took a year to develop is now open for enjoyment.

Rotary Island, located inside Rock Creek Park, delighted children and adults when it began spraying water on Thursday. The timing of the opening couldnt have been better since temperatures that day reached the upper 90s.

More than 100 children and adults, along with state representatives, gathered for the opening.

This is our fantasy island, Rotary Club President Scott Yochum said when he presented the island to the county.

On behalf of the board of commissioners, Dawson County Board Chair Mike Berg said, thank you for what Rotary has given to the citizens of Dawson County. We look forward to many years of running through the sprinkler system.

The splash pad is a 40-foot diameter circle surrounded by a patio. The pad has 11 different water features, six jets on the ground and five above ground. It operates with a button users can push to activate the jets. The features are stainless steel and painted with powder-coated paint. Water for the island is donated by Etowah Water and Sewer Authority. The only cost to the county is a $350 annual insurance policy.

State Sen. Steve Gooch and House Rep. Kevin Tanner, both Rotarians, attended the grand opening. Thats what its all about, Gooch said. Our future, our young people, and Im blessed to be a part of it.

Its a true testament to what can happen when people come together with local government and make things happen, Tanner said.

Rotary past-president Vernon Smith, who came up with the idea for the project, was elated to see it finally open. This is unbelievable to see this thing happen, he said. He also read a poem he wrote about the opening of the island.

Six-year old Owen Wooten said he was excited to run through the island.

Weather permitting, children and adults will be able to play in the water feature during park hours until the end of September.