Winchester City Parks & Programs
Apr 28, 2022
We recorded today's conversation on location in the Active Living Center in the War Memorial Building at Jim Barnett Park to chat with Winchester City Parks Director, Chris Konyar and Maggie McCampell Lien their Public Information Officer.
The pair explained their current undertaking: surveying city residents to get feedback about the parks in their neighborhoods. There are nearly 16 neighborhood parks scattered throughout the City of Winchester with the ultimate goal of having a park within 10 walking minutes of every neighborhood. Chris talked about the importance of these local parks and why getting feedback will be vital to maintain and grow them to fit the neighborhoods they serve.
You can visit their website to take the survey online: https://www.winchesterva.gov/parks or attend one of the feedback sessions they'll be hosting throughout the summer.
On May 23, 200 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for Ward 3 at Jim Barnett Park, War Memorial Building, Social Hall
On July 25, 2022 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for Ward 2 at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School
On September 26, 2022 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for Ward 4 at Frederick Douglass Elementary School.
A session was already held on April 25, 2022 for Ward 1 at John Kerr Elementary School Library. Each meeting will focus on parks within the ward; however, residents are welcome to attend any meeting.
Maggie gave us details about the summer camps the parks department offers, talked about when the pool will open and gave some insight into the benefits the recent partnership with Shenandoah University provides through no-cost sports camps for children in the area.
Finally, Chris talked about the number of jobs the parks currently have available from lifeguard positions to childcare and front desk/administrative. We talked about how great these positions are as a "first job" for many teens & young adults in our area. He also explained that if you're interested in a lifeguard position, they will provide the necessary training and certifications needed. For a list of all the city's job openings, visit the City of Winchester's job portal by clicking here.
To learn about park programs, purchase a family pool pass or get details about upcoming events, visit the park website: https://www.winchesterva.gov/parks and follow them on Facebook.