Topeka (WIBW) - Shovels of all sizes were the order of the day in the southwest corner of Gage Park.

Children joined adult organizers and supporters Tuesday in breaking ground on the Kansas Children's Discovery Center. It will be built on a 9.4 acre site at Gage Park, across 10th Street from McFarland Farms.

Plans for the center have been years in the making. More than 950 donors gave the $6.2 million to make the center a reality.

It's main purpose is a hands-on, interactive learning facility for children, but executive director Joanne Morrell says it goes beyond that. She says it also supports the business community, local construction, economic development and quality of life.

KBS Constructors, Inc. of Topeka is the general contractor for the center. Weather-permitting, the foundation could be poured by the end of the year. Construction is expected to take 12 months.