ASSINIBOIA - My name is Steph VanDeSype, I am the Recreation and Community Wellness Manager for the Town of Assiniboia. I have been in this position for just over four years, and previously I was a Massage Therapist for 14 years.
My husband and I moved to Assiniboia in 2006, we quickly became involved in the community through sport and recreation. I have enjoyed volunteering my time managing teams, organizing a quad derby, and various community events. We have two amazing boys who keep us busy, you will often see my family working behind the scenes setting up/cleaning up events, serving/cooking food, greeting patrons, running around helping me out.
Since becoming an employee for the Town of Assiniboia, many new programs were brought to life, these include ... Family Rec night; Twinkle Tour; Lights of Love; various events throughout the summer, including Canada day celebrations; Scavenger Hunt; Better Together barbecues; RCMP Musical Ride; and now programming events in our new beautiful Southland Co-op Centre.
I am honored to be managing this new facility with guidance from members of the ACIA and the new Southland Co-op Centre board. I have a great team of individuals that I work with including all of the office and public works staff, CAO Clint Mauthe, Mayor Schauenberg and Council.
You will see details on more programming in the Assiniboia Times newspaper, here is a breakdown of what we have to look forward to this Winter.
Pickleball
This will be held on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Prince of Wales Auditorium. There is also a session on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. held in the SCC (Southland Co-op Centre) Multi-purpose room.
Pickleball nets will be on site, you are welcome to gather friends and play anytime in the SCC.
Family Rec Nights
These will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. in the POW auditorium. Again, nets including badminton will be available for use in the SCC anytime.
Table Tennis
We have purchased four table tennis tables and supplies in hopes of starting multiple leagues in the SCC. Residents can stay tuned for details.
Rock Climbing
As you read this, the walls are being installed! We will have four self-automated systems, this is free to use and available when we have staff on site. This is located in the Multi-purpose room.
Teen Centre
The Teen Centre is full of the latest technology in Gaming systems. This is a safe and enjoyable space for teenagers (Born 2011 or earlier) to hang out after school, do their homework, and socialize with friends. This Centre is open on the weekends as well. Memberships are available for $60 a year (October 2022 -October 2023) or $5 drop in. Adults are welcome to play as well, from 8 to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Alan and Patti Batty Children’s Centre
This is a cozy little space for children ages seven and under to play with toys, watch TV, and make new friends. This is open every day, we encourage parents of little ones to drop in Mon-Friday 9:30 a.m. to noon to walk the track and meet other parents.
Simulator Room (Nellies Rec Room)
Named after Curtis Nelson, president of the Assiniboia Civic Improvement Association (ACIA). The Simulator room is the best Simulator on the market. It is equipped with Top Golf, dodgeball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, bocce ball, hockey, and so much more. In total there are more than 100 games that can be played.
The technology of the sensors is so accurate, you can’t get away with a slice or a hook, and it will read all of your shots.... good and bad. This room is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for only $45 an hour non prime time, $55 an hour prime time. Book and pay online by visiting www.assiniboiarecreation.skedda.com
Walking Track
This 190-metre track has been a very popular addition to our facility! This is free to enjoy, in thanks to all of the support we receive from the Community through the Better Together barbecues.
In November and December, we are going to walk to the North Pole. Log your laps every day, and together we will achieve this hefty goal. Santa might pay us a visit in December if we do so.
Ice Surface
The ice surface is NHL dimensions 200 ft long x 85 ft wide with eight-foot glass around the perimeter that can be changed out to 4 foot glass for concerts. Under the ice is two concrete slabs- the bottom slab is heated and the top one is cooled. This design enables precision ice temperatures as all variables are controlled allowing for excellent ice in all environmental conditions. Our fabulous caretakers Scott and Dawn are doing the most amazing job taking care of our facility.
Tournaments/events
We are so excited to be hosting a variety of tournaments this year, these include a tournament in every age group, a U11 carded tournament, and a sledge hockey tournament! The weekends are going to be full of action, and you won’t want to miss out. Our premier event facility is going to host a variety of activities in the summer as well, stay tuned for some big announcements.
Lights of Love
This is our fourth year of decorating trees in memory of loved ones lost. For only $10 per name, you can contribute to this beautiful program. Our lighting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 16th in Centennial Park.
Playschool
The Town of Assiniboia along with the Early Childhood Coalition are so excited to bring Playschool to our community. This will be held in the newly renovated Rotary Family Centre, located next to the post office. This facility is now fully accessible.
This is a pilot project for children born in 2018, please register today so you do not miss out on this great opportunity! Registration is now open.
Twinkle Tour
Assiniboia, let’s light up our Community!
If you are unable to purchase lights, we have donated strings available for you to take home! We would love to see every house in Town decorated and sharing in the festive spirit! The Twinkle Tour will be one night only, Wednesday December 14th. Santa will be on site as well as a bake sale, entertainment, and sleigh rides! If you would like to enter your home in the Twinkle Tour, or nominate a home, please contact the Rec Department.
We would like to thank the ACIA again, this group of volunteers was the brains behind the entire build, we wouldn’t have this brand new facility if it wasn’t for their hard work.
