What were a few minutes felt like hours.

During the Atmore Community Splash Pad’s grand opening event, community and city officials lined up for the ribbon cutting.

As I sat there camera in hand, I overheard somebody say that it takes a while for the water to travel up a tall cylinder and activate one of the many features of the pad.

When the water made its way up the poll and out the many portals, the splash pad was officially christened as Atmore’s newest attraction.

After taking the ribbon cutting picture, children that were waiting on pins and needles were released to have fun.

While making my way around the pad with camera in hand, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone of the children were enjoying themselves.

A popular attraction was the bucket dumpers. Water would fill these cone-shaped buckets and then dump the water on waiting children.

Even Judd Coley, an Atmore Lions Club member, joined in the fun with his children.

Many stood around watching as the pad filled up with children.

Many stood smiling.

Many stood thinking that this is what the community needed.

Andy they all were right.

The splash pad is an excellent addition to the community, and all those who helped organize this should be happy.

For years to come, many children will be playing on the pad to beat the hot heat of summers and early falls.

And when they’re done with towels wrapped around their swimsuits in their parents’ cars, they’ll be looking forward to another day at the Atmore Community Splash Pad.