In this episode, host Janet Michael sits down with Winchester City Parks Director Chris Konyar for a wide-ranging conversation about upcoming spring events, facility upgrades, youth programming, and an exciting long-term vision for aquatics in the Winchester area.

Topics Covered

A unique twist on the traditional egg hunt held on the turf fields after dark
Kids use flashlights and headlamps to find eggs
Pre-hunt activities (crafts, games, music, Easter Bunny photos) begin at 6:30 PM at the War Memorial Building
Egg hunt starts at 8:00 PM
Free to attend; optional add-ons available for $4

⛳ Golf Simulator

Closes for the season on March 26th
Has grown in popularity throughout the winter
May return for pop-up sessions during rainy weather
Plans to continue the program next winter

👧 Youth Programming

Hive After-School Program

Registration opens Monday, March 23rd — city residents only
Programs run after school during the school year and full days in summer
Includes field trips, swim lessons, and access to park amenities

Wee One Wednesdays (Preschool Programming)

1st Wednesday of each month: Structured, themed activity (book-based)
3rd Wednesday: "PB&J Club" — free play in the gym
Designed for preschool and toddler age groups
Parents must stay; no drop-off

🏊 Swim Lessons

Indoor pool is the only option in the area from Labor Day to Memorial Day
Now open for registration on the city website
Free Level 1 swim lessons available for city residents

⚾ Henkel-Harris Field Renovation

Brand new dugouts, backstops, and steel pole LED lighting
New press box with office space and new public restrooms (serving both Henkel-Harris and the turf fields)
Field branded with Handley colors

🛝 New Playground – Opening April 18th

Replacing "Children's Dream" playground (nearly 23 years old)
Larger than the existing structure with spongy safety surfacing
Features swings and slides as top community-requested elements
Second existing playground remains intact; slated for future replacement
Grand Opening Celebration – April 18th:

Partnership with Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (celebrating 30 years)
Color walk along the Story Walk trail
Food trucks, music, face painting, vendors
Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Made possible in part by a generous donation from JJ and Kay Smith

🏊 Aquatic Study & Future Pool Plans

The War Memorial building's older wing (including the indoor pool, installed 1975) is due for renovation around 2029–2030
City hired Counsilman-Hunsaker (Missouri) to conduct an aquatic study
Stakeholder interviews completed February 17th (Frederick County, Clarke County, school systems, local swim teams, Shenandoah University, and more)
Three concepts under consideration:

Option A: City-only renovation (ventilation, pump room, locker rooms, spectator space)
Option B: Add a second pool body within the existing footprint
Option C: Full regional aquatic facility (indoor/outdoor, possible university partnership)

Take the survey: winchesterva.gov/aquatics

Open to ALL area residents, not just city residents
All feedback — positive and negative — is valuable

🚁 Virginia 250th Anniversary Drone Show – May 30th

Free community event at Jim Barnett Park
Includes a water safety fair and family activities
Culminating event: 250th anniversary-themed drone show
More details to come in the May episode

🌳 Patsy Cline Memorial Park

Now officially a Winchester city park
Neighborhood Night – June 5th
Features an amphitheater; programming details coming soon