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

🥚 Flashlight Egg Hunt – 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

⛳ 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