Thank You for Your Patience
As the maintenance and building staff members at WPRD continue to dig out from this winter’s snow storms, WPRD would like to thank all of our loyal program participants and park patrons for their patience.
It has taken some time to move the snow and keep the building accessible to all patrons. “The last month has been stressful on our staff and our building,” said Lisa Hamaker, WPRD Facilities Coordinator. “But, through all the cancellations, our patrons have been awesome! Now that the gym is open, it’s been pretty busy with kids playing basketball every day that schools have been closed.”
WPRD posts it’s cancellations on the city’s webpage ( www.winchesterva.gov), the park’s cancellation hotline (662-4946 xt. 33), and on the radio stations 92.5 FM, 102.5FM, and 99.3 FM.
On Friday, February 12, WPRD plans to return to the normal building operating schedule, opening at 5:30 am. Programs and facilities will resume their normal schedule. “Hopefully, the worst of the weather is behind us and we can all start thinking about spring!” said Hamaker.
Parks Advisory Board is Recruiting Members
The Winchester Parks Advisory Board is currently recruiting new members. The board will have two vacancies to fill beginning in April. “Our goal is to have our two new board members selected and approved prior to April so they can hit the ground running this spring!” said Parks Advisory Board Chairman Debbie Lewis.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meets the second and fourth Mondays of every month at the War Memorial Building. “The Board plays a very important role by helping park staff with crucial decisions regarding budget, policy, park master plan, and many other facets of the operation,” said WPRD Director Brad Veach.
If you are a City of Winchester resident and are interested in helping better the Winchester Parks & Recreation Department by serving on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, please email WPRD at wincparks@ci.winchester.va.us or download an application form.
WPRD Breaks the 220 Mark
WPRD swim lesson program recently reached a career high…220 participants!
Michael Asmussen, WPRD Aquatics Coordinator contributes the increase in numbers to the new schedule and the recently introduced private swim lesson option. “The private lessons have really started to catch on” said Asmussen. “A lot of parents feel their child would respond better to a swim instructor in a one-on-one setting. So, we’ve created some time on Saturdays to help meet that need.”
The Competitive Swim Training program has also contributed to the new high mark with a new home-school class on Mondays & Wednesdays. “The home-school class was another patron request that we tried to see if it would be successful in the early afternoon timeslot when we’re traditionally down. The parents have really embraced it and we’ve had strong numbers for that class the last several sessions.”
Information on our winter & spring swim lesson classes can be found by clicking on the purple aquatics tab at the bottom. Asmussen also says the park is considering offering some more Saturday classes for waterbabies starting in the fall.
Jim Barnett Park to Feature a Disc Golf Course
Avid disc golf players in the community will soon have a new course to try right here in Jim Barnett Park.
The owners of Incredible Flying Objects on the Loudoun Street Mall recently started a petition for disc golf players wanting to see a new course built in Winchester. They had over 400 people sign the petition! The group has organized their efforts and started fundraising to build the course. “It’s not possible for us to consider building this type of amenity in the park right now given our budget constraints,” said Michael White WPRD Operations Superintendent. “So, its up to the community to help make it a reality and these folks are very excited about it.”
Currently, the Shenandoah Valley Disc Golf Club has raised enough funds to fully construct 6 holes and are very close to completing the funding for a 9 hole course. Once the snow thaws, the group and WPRD maintenance staff will begin constructing the 9 hole course. The long range plan is to eventually have an 18 hole course and host regional tournaments.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact Incredible Flying Objects at 678-9993.
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