MIAMI -- The first-ever water park in Miami opened for business Wednesday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Manny Diaz, the commissioner responsible for its opening and a group of about 100 children.

The Grapeland Water Park, located at 1550 NW 37th Ave., has four different pools with artwork by local artist Romero Britto. The facility includes water playground equipment for children 5 and older, a pool for children younger than 5, a 600-foot meandering pool and a resort-type pool for adults.

"I think it's really something that we really needed, not to go all the way to West Palm Beach," parent Vicky Soto said. "But this is really nice. I think this is really an improvement for Miami."

The $20 million park, which took about three and a half years to build, is the vision of Miami Commissioner Angel Gonzalez.

"I always dreamed of building a facility where people could come as a family -- grandparents, parents, children," Gonzalez said.

The park is free to children younger than 3. Prices for children vary depending on their age.

The price of admission for adults who live in Miami is $7. The cost for adults who live outside the city is $10.