Host Janet Michael sits down with Winchester City Parks Director Chris Konyar at Jim Barnett Park for an update on everything happening in Winchester's parks system — from a brand-new playground to a 250th anniversary drone show.

Topics Covered

🛝 New Familyland Playground

Replaced the aging "Children's Dream" playground, which was at end of life
Features significantly safer, cushioned surfacing ("like walking on a mattress")
Moved away from the parking lot based on community feedback
Larger footprint with more features, including a sensory board and QR code feedback system
Made possible by a generous donation from the JJ Smith family
Adventure Land playground (in the back) still in good shape — future upgrade planned

🌊 Abrams Creek Restoration

City received a grant to restore the creek near Familyland
Previous erosion caused safety concerns, tree removal, and loss of a picnic pavilion
Project includes stream rerouting, new walking trails, and planting of 4,000 trees
Currently in early/demo phase; expected to take several months

🏙️ Neighborhood Park Upgrades

15+ park locations throughout the city being upgraded on a rotating ward schedule
Patsy Cline Memorial Park recently turned over to the city
Harvest Ridge (Ward 4): New walking trail around soccer field perimeter + playground coming soon

🏊 Pool Season & Memorial Day Weekend

Outdoor pool opens Memorial Day weekend
Pool currently being replastered
Winchester Baseball Memorial Day Tournament — 40+ teams expected, with special 250th anniversary ceremony
Healing Fields of Honor at Handley (Rotary Club) also that weekend

🚁 Splash Bash & Drone Show — May 30th

Splash Bash at the pool: health & wellness fair in the morning (free), pool party in the afternoon
Led by new Aquatics Coordinator
250th Anniversary Drone Show — FREE event behind the War Memorial building

Several hundred drones creating images celebrating U.S. and Winchester history
Sponsored by Omps Funeral Home; operated by Paul Omps (son of former Mayor Larry Omps)
A one-time special event tied to the 250th anniversary

🎆 July 3rd Fireworks (Still Happening!)

Drone show does NOT replace fireworks — fireworks are confirmed for July 3rd
Additional new city event planned for July 4th in Old Town/Downtown
More details to come when Chris returns in June

📋 Summer Activity Guide

Mailed to all city residents; also available at winchesterva.gov/parks
Highlights include:

Sports camps: basketball (Handley), soccer (two sessions), volleyball (two sessions), wrestling, tennis, fast-pitch softball
Girls' & Boys' Sport Sampler Camp for younger kids
Swim lessons (Level 1 free for city patrons)
Junior Lifeguard Camp
Athlete Performance Water Camp (cross-training for high school athletes)
Fishing Rodeo at Wilkins Lake
Park After Dark — Ultimate Frisbee tournament under the lights (June 6th)
Outdoor high school basketball league on Monday nights in June
Story Time Explorations for young children
Music lessons, dance, and community rec programs

Early registration discounts available — some up to 50% off through mid-May
Popular camps (volleyball, swim lessons) sell out — register early

🏕️ HIVE Summer Day Camp

Sells out within minutes of registration opening
City kids given priority; slots continue to sell out despite being expanded each year

🎟️ Pool Passes & Memberships

New Splash Pass (punch card) available — skip the line and save money
Monthly memberships and full summer passes available

🏛️ Pavilion Rentals

Weekends filling up fast — reserve now
Prices range from ~$35 to under $100 for the full day
Reservations required; first-come-first-serve only when not booked

🌿 Other Park Amenities

Skate park, pickleball courts, drop-in turf time, dog park, horseshoes, walking trails

Stay Connected

🌐 Website: winchesterva.gov/parks
📘 Facebook: Winchester City Parks
📧 Newsletter: Sign up on the website for monthly updates with direct registration links
💼 Hiring lifeguards! Visit the Employer Expo at the Wilkins Center (Wednesday, May 13th, 1–5 PM)

Chris will return next month to share full details on the July 3rd celebration and new July 4th Downtown event.