Nestled within the suburban sprawl of Henderson, Nevada, lies an unconventional attraction that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Known as "Shan-gri-la Prehistoric Park," this unique spot is a vibrant collection of over 60 painted dinosaurs and mythical creatures adorning its desert-rock front yard. Created by Steve Springer, affectionately dubbed "Dinoman" by his admirers, this whimsical park serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as an educational hub for all ages. With his mid-1990s Dinomobile and an array of dinosaur-themed paraphernalia, Steve dedicates much of his retirement income to maintaining this magical world where politics and religion are left at the door.
A Day in the Life of Dinoman
In the heart of Henderson, Nevada, Steve Springer’s home transforms into a lively prehistoric wonderland every day. The exterior boasts no grass, just desert rock, complemented by a colorful array of dinosaurs, dragons, turtles, and spiders numbering 62 in total. At noon on a spring Friday, Steve, or “Dinoman,” emerges from his garage dressed in a black apron adorned with cartoon dinosaurs. At 72 years old, he maintains an enthusiastic spirit, wearing flip-flops with black socks and glasses that magnify his eyes. His Dinomobile, a customized sedan wrapped in digitized dinosaur graphics with electric green rims, sits proudly inside the garage. Inside, an LED TV plays a continuous loop of dinosaur videos edited by Steve himself, while folding tables line the walls stocked with candy, chips, and cookies. This cheerful environment bans discussions of politics or religion, offering instead a joyful escape from reality.
Steve’s dedication extends beyond mere decoration; he spends approximately $2,000 monthly from his retirement funds to keep the park operational. His house interior reflects his passions, housing thousands of horror and science fiction films neatly arranged on bookshelves alongside awards recognizing his excellence as a teacher. As summer approaches, Steve transitions themes swiftly, packing away Easter decorations to welcome “Summer Dragon Days.” His back porch accommodates numerous plastic bins stacked ten feet high, each labeled for specific holidays, containing themed items like disco balls, pool floats, and water guns.
The community warmly embraces this quirky attraction. Regular visitors like Janam Riffle and his mom Jenny cherish their visits, appreciating the affordability and joy it brings. Lines often stretch down the driveway as people eagerly await their turn to enjoy free playtime. Upon entry, guests sanitize their hands and collect goodies such as Cow Tales, Starbursts, Takis, Lays, bouncy balls, rubber ducks, and squishy creatures. Lucky participants win bonus toys or Dinobucks exchangeable for more substantial items like cooking sets, Barbie dolls, and skateboards. High school students frequently utilize this haven for quick snack breaks, while Steve ensures that those needing extra snacks receive them.
For families like Tiffany and Ken Koo, who travel 30 minutes weekly with their children Aiden and Kaiden, the park offers invaluable family entertainment at a fraction of typical outing costs. Their contributions include volunteering time towards polishing the Dinomobile’s neon green rims and cleaning the back patio. Reflecting on three decades of teaching middle school and operating a classroom candy shop, Steve expresses contentment with his current lifestyle, planning to sell off the dinosaurs, Dinomobile, and house upon his passing to fund scholarships. Despite inflation impacting toy availability, Steve remains committed to preserving the magic of his beloved park.
From evenings spent dining at The Pit, bringing along personalized croutons, parmesan, and cracked pepper, to late-night slushie indulgences, Steve concludes each busy day knowing he has brought happiness to countless lives.
This story inspires reflection on the power of individual passion projects to create meaningful connections within communities. Steve Springer exemplifies how personal interests can evolve into impactful endeavors benefiting others. His selfless devotion underscores the value of generosity and creativity in enhancing quality of life for those around us. Through simple acts of kindness and unwavering commitment, Dinoman crafts a legacy rooted in joy and education, proving that even modest efforts can yield extraordinary results.