The interactive fountain at the Mistlin Sports Park was close to reopening on Thursday.

On the first day of summer, the interactive water play feature was nearly back in operation as Grossi Electric Inc. following repairs to the electrical / control components that operated the various pumps.

Thanks to the powers of social media – the Ripon Chamber of Commerce provided the post on short notice – parents took their children to the still closed-for-repairs fountain upon getting word that the Ripon Consolidated Fire District was hooking up its hoses to the truck to a nearby fire hydrant at Mistlin Sports Park, spraying water on their youngsters to enjoy.

The temperatures at this time of the early afternoon were in the low 80s.

The only obstacle standing in the way of the summer splash break for this young group – a tad under 20 altogether – was an emergency call to local firefighters.

“Thanks, RFD, for this fresh slice of community care,” said one post.

Back to the interactive fountain.

This was a gift to the City of Ripon from local businessman and philanthropist Tony Mistlin, with construction being completed in 2003.

According to fire Chief Eric DeHart, all systems appeared to be a go in the reopening of the interactive fountain as workers wrapped up on the removing, replacing, and testing of the electrical and control components.

 The high today is expected to reach 99 degrees. Then on Saturday it will had up to 106 degrees before dropping down to 100 degrees on Sunday.