The City of Steinbach officially cut the ribbon on the new dog park located at L.A. Barkman on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's been open and operational for a couple of months already," explains Russ Dyck from the City of Steinbach. "People and dogs have been using it, but to have the ribbon cutting today with the Mayor present, it feels like it's officially open."

 

Since being made available to the public, Dyck says there's been nothing but positive feedback.

"It's been busy every day. There's a number of dogs and owners that show up and the dogs get to run around. It's really great. It's for all dogs, large and small. The park is an acre in size and fenced so it's good for both big and small dogs. There are even water fountains for the dogs to use during these hot days. A neat feature is a ramp for the dogs to run up and down on.

Also on hand were members from the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue. President Michelle Neufeld says the park was a long time coming and very welcome.

"We've been asked about a dog park for a long time so I think it's very much needed and appreciated. We drive by and there are always dogs and their people playing there. It's a perfect location and they did a bang-up job with it."

Dyck adds there are a few other things happening around the dog park.

"It's located at the northwest corner of L.A. Barkman Park, so just off Woodhaven which recently just got extended. There was an old parking lot there that had been closed for a number of years so we renovated. It's a very active park, given the pathway network we have. We've also added a basketball court, which has been used quite a bit over the last few weeks."