Recreation Programs

 

photos of people participating in creative classes

All registrations are now being processed through CommunityPass! Individuals and Families are required to create an account in order to register for programs, process memberships, and request facilities. Go here to get started! https://register.capturepoint.com/CityofWinchester

RDF: Resident Discount Fee

What is a RDF? In recognition that City of Winchester residents support our department through their city taxes, the City offers residents a discounted fee (RDF). Non-residents will pay the regular fee for lessons, classes, and rentals.


Creative Classes

  

How to Sew with a Sewing Machine: If you've ever wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine, but don't know where to start, this is the class for you! We'll cover what fabrics to choose and how to cut them, sewing terms and safety, how to properly thread and sew on your machine, and more. Within a few classes you'll have your first project to take home! We will have sewing machines available, or you can bring your own. Taught by former teacher Julie Napear, owner of customkidsclothes.biz and Julie Napear Photography. Note: as the instructor is immunocompromised, she will have medical-grade masks on hand and requests they be worn during class for the safety and kindness of all involved. Please do not come to class if you are sick--make-ups can be scheduled. 

Program Age Day Time Location Instructor Fee Register By
How to Sew with a Sewing Machine 8 - 12 TU, 4/16 - 5/21 5 - 6:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Arts & Crafts Room J. Napear Fee: $160 4/8
How to Sew with a Sewing Machine 13+ TH, 4/18 - 5/23 5 - 6:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Arts & Crafts Room J. Napear Fee: $160 4/8

 

  

Cookie Decorating Take-Home Kits: Take home kits include 1 dozen cookies, icing, instruction card with link to a demo video! Note: Recipes are nut-free; however, items are not prepared in a nut-free kitchen.

Program Age Day Time Location Instructor Fee Register By
St. Patrick's Day All *Pick Up*
F, 3/15
12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lobby A. Rogers RDF: $30
Fee: $35
3/7
Easter All *Pick Up*
TH, 3/28
12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lobby A. Rogers RDF: $30
​Fee: $35
3/20

Dance Classes

Hawaiian Dance & Culture: Learn about the history, culture, language, and dance techniques of the indigenous people of Hawaii through the poetry in motion called HULA.  Male and female welcome with and without the ability to do footwork; the story is in the hands!

Program Age Day Time Location Instructor Fee Registration Period
Hawaiian Dance & Culture - Session 2 13+ W, 4/17 - 5/22 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room M. Scalph Fee: $225 3/1 - 4/15
Hawaiian Dance & Culture - Session 2 6 - 12 W, 4/17 - 5/22 5 - 6:00 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room M. Scalph Fee: $150 3/1 - 4/15
Hawaiian Dance & Culture - Session 2 13+ W, 4/17 - 5/22 7 - 8:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room M. Scalph Fee: $225 3/1 - 4/15

Music and Theater Classes

Mini Mighty Maestros: Students will sing, dance and perform instrumental accompaniments to traditional and modern children’s songs ranging from the music of popular modern hits, to multicultural world music in a variety of languages. Critical listening skills will be taught through exposure to classical and modern orchestral pieces, where students will identify song form, instruments, dynamics and articulation used by composers to create artistic and emotionally impactful pieces. Beginner level music theory, including note and rhythm reading, will be taught through a series of fun games and group activities. The students will also have an opportunity to explore music through technology and will start to explore the use of garage band and recording devices.
*For the Parent & Me Class, a parent or guardian must remain with the child during the class.

Group Piano: Using a combination of traditional methodologies and modern techniques, students will learn to read, compose and perform modern music pieces. Students will learn to read treble and bass clef, play triads in major and minor keys, play a variety of scales and learn how to improvise and compose. Our curriculum is modified to fit the ability of individual students and classes. 

Group Ukulele: Ukulele is the new educational standard used by young students as a gateway into guitar and other stringed instruments. Using a variety of pop and folk songs, students will learn chords, finger picking and rhythm techniques that they may use to perform pieces or accompany themselves singing. Students may transition to guitar instruction after the initial session or continue studying more advanced techniques on Ukulele. 

Group Guitar: Our team-developed guitar curriculum focuses on the individual needs of each student. The techniques learned in this course will enable the students to perform with rock bands, school bands, guitar ensembles and to compose original music. This course can accommodate all levels of guitar students as each student receives an individual education plan at the beginning of the session.

Let's Put On A Show! This class is designed to give students an introduction into musical theater. Students will explore all aspects of artistry and craftsmanship of Theater and learn what it takes to put a show together. Teachers will give them a theme in which the students will create the story line and dialogue. Teachers will bring in music and choreography to complement that story line. In addition to the story, students will help in the development of props and set design. Students are not only the actors and singers, but also collaborators in creating live theatre.

All sessions are 8 weeks. Each class will conclude with either a little show or video that will be emailed to parents.

Program Age Day Time Location Instructor Fee Registration Period
Group Piano - Session 1 4 - 5 M, 1/29 - 3/25
(No class 2/19)
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/25
Mini Mighty Maestros - Session 1 5 - 14 M, 1/29 - 3/25
(No class 2/19)
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/25
Group Piano - Session 1 6 - 14 M, 1/29 - 3/25
(No class 2/19)
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/25
Group Guitar - Session 1 9 - 14 M, 1/29 - 3/25
(No class 2/19)
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/25
Parent & Me Mini Mighty Maestros - Session 1 18 - 24 months TH, 2/1 - 3/21 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $160 By 1/29
Parent & Me Mini Mighty Maestros - Session 1 2 - 4 TH, 2/1 - 3/21 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $160 By 1/29
Group Ukulele - Session 1 3 - 4 TH, 2/1 - 3/21 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/29
Group Ukulele - Session 1 5 - 14 TH, 2/1 - 3/21 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/29
Let's Put On A Show - Session 1 6 - 14 TH, 2/1 - 3/21 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 1/29
               
Mini Mighty Maestros - Session 2 5 - 14 M, 4/8 - 5/20
(7 weeks)
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $175 By 3/28
Group Piano - Session 2 4 - 5 M, 4/8 - 5/20
(7 weeks)
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $175 By 3/28
Group Piano - Session 2 6 - 14 M, 4/8 - 5/20
(7 weeks)
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $175 By 3/28
Group Guitar - Session 2 9 - 14 M, 4/8 - 5/20
(7 weeks)
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $175 By 3/28
Parent & Me Mini Mighty Maestros - Session 2 18 - 24 months TH, 4/4 - 5/23 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $160 By 4/1
Parent & Me Mini Mighty Maestros - Session 2 2 - 4 TH, 4/4 - 5/23 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $160 By 4/1
Group Ukulele - Session 2 3 - 4 TH, 4/4 - 5/23 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 4/1
Group Ukulele - Session 2 5 - 14 TH, 4/4 - 5/23 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 4/1
Let's Put On A Show - Session 2 6 - 14 TH, 4/4 - 5/23 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Community Activity Room J. Hall Fee: $200 By 4/1

Spanish Classes

WPRD is now offering Spanish Classes!

La Ronda Class: Spanish classes for children that are 4 to 12 years old. In this fun class, children will have the opportunity to explore the world of Spanish language and culture. This hour class is designed to ignite their curiosity and love for language through music, movement, instruments, games and more! Children will get to sing and learn traditional Spanish songs, while dancing and following the rhythm with hands-on instrument play. They will be invited to engage in interactive games that make learning easier and fun. This Spanish class will be conducted in an engaging Circle Time format, where everyone will have the opportunity to interact with each other and learn from each other. To close, each child will be invited to create a small craft and we will say good-bye by enjoying a delicious Mexican snack while singing good-bye. This is an outdoor class, weather permitting. Otherwise, class will be provided indoors. La Ronda class is an enjoyable environment where kids can absorb Spanish naturally, all while having fun. This class is open for Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers. All are welcome!

Nido Class: Spanish classes for children that are 3 years and under, accompanied by their caregiver. This Spanish Nido class is a Montessori based experience that offers a Spanish immersion environment to non-native Spanish speakers and to native Spanish speakers alike. It is well known that children that are immersed in a second language at a such young age retain it easier and faster. In this class, the child and caregiver will have the opportunity to sing along, play instruments, listen to books, rhymes, music, and some dancing and movement will come along too…all in Spanish! Besides this, parents and caregivers get the unique opportunity to engage with their children as they exercise their independence by exploring this specially prepared environment. Furniture and materials in the room are carefully chosen and designed to aid in the development of movement and coordination, independence, language, self-discipline, and cognitive skills. Depending on weather, we will have the opportunity to enjoy this class outdoors. The class will end with a delicious Mexican snack to enjoy as a group.

Both classes are ongoing so participants are encouraged to register for the next session!

Program Age Day Time Location Instructor Fee Registration Period
La Ronda - Session 5 4 - 12 TU, 3/5 - 3/26
(4 weeks)
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room V. Craft RDF: $45
Fee: $50
2/1 - 2/29
Nido - Session 5 0 - 3 TU, 3/5 - 3/26
(4 weeks)
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room V. Craft RDF: $45
Fee: $50
2/1 - 2/29
La Ronda - Session 6 4 - 12 M, 4/1 - 4/29
(No class 4/22)
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room V. Craft RDF: $45
Fee: $50
2/29 - 3/28
Nido - Session 6 (not being offered)              

Adult Fitness Classes

Fitness Classes

Dates: Ongoing
Daily Visit Fee ($5 Adult, $3 College Student, Senior, and Military) or included with membership.
Location: Jim Barnett Park, Rec Center (unless noted otherwise)
*NOTE: Children are not permitted as spectators.

Program Age Day Time Instructor
Pilates 18+ TU 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
(ending 3/19)
S. Dunsmore
Pilates 18+ TH 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. S. Barron
Evening Yoga 18+ TH 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. S. Dunsmore
Zumba 18+ M/TH 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. A. Taylor
Zumba Toning 18+ TU 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. A. Taylor

Yoga:  Please bring a yoga mat and yoga blocks if you wish to use them. Equipment and mats will not be provided.
Pilates:  Please bring a yoga mat and small towel for support if you wish to use them. Equipment and mats will not be provided.
Zumba:  Enjoy a total body workout using the most popular music. Zumba burns calories, tones muscles, improves balance, and incorporates a full range of motion.
Zumba Toning:  Enjoy a total body workout using light weights. Zumba burns calories, tones muscles, improves balance, and incorporates a full range of motion.

For Aqua Fitness Classes, visit the Aquatics page.


Nature Walks

Nature Walk

For Spring Nature walks join us at Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve at 8:30 am on the following Saturdays; March 30, April 13 and 27, and May 11. We will meet at the trailhead of the Preserve at the intersection of Jubal Early Drive, Handley Ave., and Meadow Branch Ave. for a 2 hour walk focusing on bird migration and wild flowers. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, binoculars and camera if you have them. This free activity is cosponsored by Winchester Parks and Recreation Department and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. Call 540-303-3983 if you need additional information.


PB&J Club (Ages 1-5)

PB and J Club logo with happy jumping frog

Note: This is a Parent Supervised program.

Play, Bounce and Jump to refine motor skills and have fun with a gym full of toddler-appropriate play equipment. Jump on the small trampoline, crawl through Gus the Caterpillar, climb over padded hills, or play ball. Kids and parents play freely without worrying about clean up or the weather. All equipment is safely and properly sanitized before each session. Currently, private group rentals are not available.

Day: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, except as noted below.
3/13, (no 3/27).
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
RDF: $4; Fee: $5 (adults and children under 1 are free)
Ages: 1 - 5
Location: Jim Barnett Park, Gym


Recreational class instructors needed

GET PAID TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE! Winchester Parks & Recreation is seeking program instructors for health and nutrition, cooking, arts, fitness, STEM, STEAM, technology classes and more. Contact Molly or Asia at 540-662-4946 for more information.


Molly Minch
Community Recreation Coordinator
Winchester Parks & Recreation
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA  22601
(540) 662-4946
Fax (540) 678-8791
Email

Asia Mathes
Community Recreation Specialist
Winchester Parks & Recreation
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA  22601
(540) 662-4946
Fax (540) 678-8791
Email