The Rotary Club of Dawson County officially opened the Rotary Island splash pad at Rock Creek Park on June 1 with their annual Rotary Day event that included live entertainment, free food and, of course, an absolute ton of water-based fun.

The goal in building the splash pad was two-fold according to Rotary Club President Bob Alman. In addition to providing a no-cost, safe place for kids and families to play and hang-out, Rotary Island also served as a way to establish a connection with the community.

“Rotary is the oldest service organization in the country and Rotary Island is a great way to introduce our selves to people and really build a permanent footprint,” Alman said. “Rotary Island is our gift to everybody, and it is always free.”

In addition to the five interactive water sculptures already in the park, opening day featured a bouncy slide, a dunk pool, a variety of games and activities and a free lunch provided by Northeast Georgia Medical Center who has sponsored the event for all five years according to hospital spokeswoman Jo Brewer.

“Service above self is complimentary to what the hospital does,” Brewer said.

Water for the park is also donated to the community by Etowah Water and a self-filtering and recycling system keeps Rotary Island supplied with clean water, and a minimal maintenance footprint that reduces the annual cost of the water park.

“Its not a maintenance free zone, but its very close,” former Rotarian president Pepper Pettit said. “Its all a fresh water process the way Etowah did it.”

Rotary Island will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday through Labor Day. Admission to the Island is always free.