{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Jim Barnett Park: Playgrounds & Pools","description":"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 \ud83e\udd5a Flashlight Egg Hunt \u2013 March 20th 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 \u26f3 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 \ud83d\udc67 Youth Programming Hive After-School Program Registration opens Monday, March 23rd \u2014 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" \u2014 free play in the gym Designed for preschool and toddler age groups Parents must stay; no drop-off \ud83c\udfca 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 \u26be 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 \ud83d\udedd New Playground \u2013 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 \u2013 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 \ud83c\udfca Aquatic Study & Future Pool Plans The War Memorial building's older wing (including the indoor pool, installed 1975) is due for renovation around 2029\u20132030 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 \u2014 positive and negative \u2014 is valuable \ud83d\ude81 Virginia 250th Anniversary Drone Show \u2013 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 \ud83c\udf33 Patsy Cline Memorial Park Now officially a Winchester city park Neighborhood Night \u2013 June 5th Features an amphitheater; programming details coming soon ","author_name":"The Valley Today","author_url":"http:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/344060\/site","html":"