Parks and Green Spaces
What makes Greens on Gardiner feel different than typical suburban streets is the 40+ acres of dedicated parks and green space woven through the neighbourhood. You're not just driving past parks on your way somewhere — they're integrated into daily life. The pathway system connects homes, schools, and Acre 21 shopping with lit, paved walkways separated from vehicle traffic. That matters when you've got kids biking or families jogging in the evening.
McKell Wascana Conservation Park is one of the best outdoor assets in southeast Regina. It sits about 10 minutes from the neighbourhood and spans 171 acres of preserved native prairie and wetland. You'll find four kilometres of groomed trails with benches, interpretive signage explaining the ecosystem, and a floating dock that's perfect for sitting quietly or bringing a picnic. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely escape city noise without leaving the city. The trails are popular for walking, biking, and birdwatching, especially in spring and early summer when migratory species show up.
Inside Greens on Gardiner itself, there are play structures, multi-use fields, and open green space designed to actually get used. When the weather cooperates, you see it happen — kids playing, people running, neighbours chatting while walking their dogs.
Shopping and Errands
Acre 21 is the centrepiece of daily life here. It's a 21-acre commercial hub anchored by Save-On-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama, and a Sherwood Co-Op gas bar. The crucial part: lit pathways from residential areas actually connect to it. You can walk to pick up groceries or grab a coffee in a legitimate 5-to-10-minute walk without ever getting in your car. That might not sound revolutionary, but compare it to most suburbs where "nearby shopping" means a 10-minute drive. It's genuinely different.
Beyond the anchors, you'll find various restaurants and services scattered through Acre 21, plus ongoing development adding more retail. For bigger shopping trips — Costco, Landmark Cinemas, broader specialty retail — Aurora is a 5-to-10-minute drive east depending on where you are in the neighbourhood. It's close enough to be convenient without feeling like you're leaving your area.
Restaurants and Coffee
Acre 21 has several dining options built into the neighbourhood. You've got Boston Pizza for casual family meals, and McDonald's for quick stops. There's also Dairy Queen if you're looking for something simple. It's not a destination for foodies, but it covers the everyday need to grab dinner without planning it as a special outing.
For more variety, you're within 10 minutes of East Regina's broader restaurant scene. There's enough option nearby that you're not completely limited to what's in the neighbourhood itself, but the daily convenience options are right there.
Recreation and Fitness
Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre is nearby and offers pools with slides, a tot pool for younger kids, a whirlpool, sauna, and a fitness centre. The RPL also has a library branch here, which is handy if you've got school-aged kids. Between the leisure centre and the parks system, you've got organized recreation and outdoor activities covered without needing to search far.
The Greenways — the lit pathway network connecting the neighbourhood — also gives you a safe route for running, walking, or cycling around the community itself.
Commute and Getting Around
From Greens on Gardiner, you're looking at 10-to-20 minutes to downtown depending on traffic and where you're headed. If you work in southeast Regina's commercial or industrial areas, your commute could be considerably shorter — sometimes 5-to-10 minutes. Transit options exist (Route 60 is the main option), but most residents drive given Saskatchewan's climate and practical considerations. The neighbourhood has good access to the Arcola Avenue corridor and the Regina bypass, so getting around the city from here is pretty straightforward.
The Honest Downsides of Living Here
I always want to give my clients the full picture, including the trade-offs. Greens on Gardiner is a premium neighbourhood, and that shows in pricing — homes typically sit between $500,000 and $650,000. That's above Regina's city average, and there's a practical reason: newer construction, energy-efficient builds, and genuinely integrated amenities. But it's worth understanding that more affordable options exist elsewhere.
The neighbourhood is also relatively young, with most homes built in the past 10-15 years. That means young trees that haven't developed mature canopy yet. It'll be beautiful in 20 years, but right now you're not getting the shade or established feel of older neighbourhoods.
There's still development happening on the edges, which is typical for a growing area but worth knowing if you're sensitive to construction noise. High school students head to Campbell Collegiate or Dr. Martin LeBoldus, which is a 10-to-15-minute drive depending on where you live in the neighbourhood — that's a car trip, not a walk.
Finally, while Acre 21 handles daily errands well, you're still car-dependent for most work, healthcare, and entertainment. That's true of most Regina suburbs, but it's worth saying directly: this is designed for people comfortable driving.
If you'd like to see what's available, browse Greens on Gardiner listings or give me a call at 306-581-1212. No rush — I'm happy to answer questions whenever you're ready.
