Good news for anyone who is frantic for new things to do this summer: Steinbach is home to more parks, playgrounds, and green spaces than you were ever aware of.

Russ Dyck, Director of Steinbach Parks and Recreation says his crew maintains over 21 parks around Steinbach and another 20 pocket parks, which Dyck defines as the small benches and picnic shelters scattered throughout the city.

Dyck notes many of the oldest parks and play structures in Steinbach have had neighborhoods built around them and are now hidden behind houses or trees and are difficult to find if people do not know where to look. He adds that while many Steinbach parks are named after the city’s former mayors, a good number of the smaller neighborhood parks have no official title, meaning they are not even searchable online. 

According to Dyck, over the last seven years his team has been gradually updating a lot of these play structures as equipment becomes obsolete. He indicates taking care of so many parks and playgrounds requires a massive summer staff, and he is grateful for the 30 additional seasonal workers who strengthen their team over the holidays. “Its an opportunity to serve the community and the city is growing, and in order to do all this we have a large dedicated staff.”

Dyck implies that though Steinbach has so many recreational facilities there will likely be more as Steinbach expands. “We like to have green play-space in all neighborhoods. So, as new developments are built over the years, there is always designated green space allotted. Then, usually, somewhere down the road, a playground is installed.”

The people at Steinbach Parks and Recreation work hard to keep the city clean, beautiful and fun, and Dyck encourages Steinbach residents to make use of it.