The City of Steinbach has officially opened the splash pad at E.A. Friesen Park next to the library.

Russ Dyck is the Head of Steinbach Parks and Recreation. He notes, just yesterday, the province informed the city that splash pads could be opened temporarily.

"Some of the facilities the province is allowing to be open are more so for cooling stations for vulnerable people in our current heatwave and less about having them open as a recreation facility. Given that, we are open and people are allowed to use it, still adhering to public health orders in terms of social distancing, and not gathering with someone not in your own household."

Dyck says parks and recreation staff will be monitoring the splash pad over the next few days to ensure people are following the public health orders.

"When we did open this morning, there were a number of moms there with their kids so I did speak to them but, obviously, we won't be speaking to everyone that comes through the place. We do have signs up clearly stating the rules and so hopefully people follow those orders or we may be forced to close the facility."

Given that we aren’t allowed to gather with people from other households, Dyck asks that residents be respectful of one another.

"Just make sure everyone gets their turn. There is a fair amount of space in the park itself to space out in family units but when they are on the splash pad, it is a little smaller space, so don't be on it for extended periods of time. Just allow everyone to enjoy a little bit of cooling off."

Meanwhile, R.M. of Hanover’s Head of Parks and Recreation Jason Peters says their splash pad in Blumenort will be opened to the public Friday at 10 A.M.

"We can't wait until we can be open as we normally would like to be. This is not that. I do want to emphasize that, we are not encouraging gatherings in the park the province has opened this up as a way to combat other health issues with heat. The province isn't deeming this as a recreational space at this point, this is heat relief."

The Town of Ste. Anne also opened their splash pad on Thursday.

Niverville on the other hand, has decided to keep their splash pad closed until the need to monitor restrictions is lifted.