GreenSpace Options site at the corner of First Street and Brandt Road.
“GreenSpace Options” is an experimental site at the corner of First Street and Brandt Road managed by the South Eastman Transition Initiative (SETI). Earlier this year the City of Steinbach gave SETI permission to take responsibility for the site, approximately a third of an acre, for a three-year period.
The idea of operating such a site came as a direct response to the new provincial regulations now in place limiting the use of toxic chemicals for cosmetic purposes. The goal of GreenSpace Options is to assist the Steinbach community in exploring alternative, chemical-free ways of using and maintaining green spaces.
SETI has named a Task Force consisting of Jack Schellenberg, Ernie Klassen and Jack Heppner to oversee operations at this highly visible, park-like space in the centre of the city. Members of the Task Force willingly admit that they don’t have a ready answer for how the City should manage its more than 250 acres of green space. But they are willing to carry out specific experiments at this location with the hope that some new options will emerge that can be used in other areas throughout the City.
A lot of work has already been done preparing the site: Volunteer maple trees and a former gravel driveway have been removed, a crushed limestone pathway has been constructed through the heart of the property, and raised garden beds have been constructed. As well a sizeable area has been tilled in which various grass and other groundcover experiments will be conducted. Most recently, a sign has been erected on the Brandt side of the property to alert residents to this new venture.
A key component of the experiments will be to utilize aeration, composting and over-seeding on grass-covered areas in an attempt to build healthy soil which should translate into healthy grass.
SETI is sponsoring an “Open House” at GreenSpace Options from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 27th (Rain Date May 29th). Task Force members and their friends will be on hand to introduce guests to what has already been done and what is envisioned for the future. Also a short presentation about the benefits of composting will be presented for those interested. And, of course, there will be refreshments for all who show up.
The Task Force will keep in touch with Russ Dyck, Department Head of Parks and Recreation in Steinbach, and submit an annual report of its activities and discoveries made at GreenSpace Options.
