New! Fall 2022 Differing Abilities Programs!
SENSORY SUNDAYS @ THE REC CENTER
Join us for Sensory Sundays, a special time set aside just for our friends with differing abilities before the Rec Center opens to the general public. Sensory Sundays includes:
- Swim @ Jim's: Swim in the Indoor Pool at Jim Barnett Park. Lights are dimmed, swim instructors are on-site to give an introduction to swimming, and a limited number of life jackets are available on request. Guests under 12 must have an adult (age 18+) present; ages 8 and under must have an adult in the water.
- Quiet Play in the Gym: Basketballs, dodgeballs, and other equipment will be available for those who would like to play in a quieter athletic space.
- Social Time in the Social Hall: Enjoy a variety of games - including giant board games - in the Social Hall. Music will be playing during this time.
Location: Jim Barnett Park Rec Center (War Memorial Building)
| Event | Date | Ages | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Sunday @ the Rec Center | SU, 9/11-2/12 | All | 10-11:30 a.m. | Daily Visit Fee or Membership |
MOVING WITH MUSIC THERAPY
Join Tara Lescalleet, a certified music therapist, for a 4-week session of music and movement! Sessions are open to anyone in the age groups below and are inclusive of individuals with sensory needs. If you think music therapy could benefit your child and you haven’t been able to access it in the past, this is your chance! Space is limited to 8 children per age group.
Location: Jim Barnett Park, Lord Fairfax Room
| Event | Date | Ages | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving with Music Therapy | SU, 9/11-10/2 *Register by 9/7 | 2-10 | Varies | $20 for 4 sessions |
| Moving with Music Therapy | SU, 10/9-10/30 *Register by 9/28 | 2-10 | Varies | $20 for 4 sessions |
SPOOKCESSIBLE
This Halloween event is designed for children with differing abilities. Search for easily accessible non-spooky ghosts to turn in for treats. Once you have found all the ghosts, head over to the pumpkin patch to pick a gourd to take home.
Location: Jim Barnett Park, Familyland & Children's Dream Playground Areas (In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the gym)
| Event | Date | Ages | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spookcessible | F, 10/14 | All | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | FREE |
Indoor Pool Special Events
Pumpkins in the Pool
Are you ready for some Halloween aquatic fun? Take a swim with pumpkins in the pool and yes, they float! Children may choose their favorite pumpkin to decorate following their pool session. Ages 2 - 12. Children under age 10 must have an adult (age 18+) in the water with them, no exceptions (even if the child can swim). A limited number of child life jackets are available on request. Registration is by age group. No day-of registrations will be taken. To register for the Siblings session, you must first register a child in the Sibling 2-5 program, then register additional children in either the Sibling 2-5 or Sibling 6-12 programs.
| Event | Date | Fee | Ages | Time | Register By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkins in the Pool | SA, 10/22 | Fee: $12 RDF: $10 |
2 - 12 | 11:00 - 11:15 a.m. (Siblings Session, one child must be 2 - 5yrs old) 11:25 - 11:40 a.m. (Ages 2 - 5) 11:50 - 12:05 p.m. (Ages 6 - 8) 12:15 - 12:30 p.m. (Ages 9 - 12) |
10/9 |
NOTE: Registration REQUIRES that you create an online account on CommunityPass at https://register.capturepoint.com/CityofWinchester. Registrations can easily be completed online through our new registration program. Phone registrations will not be taken. Registration opens at 5:30am.
Halloween Events
Kids Costume Creation Class: Learn how to make costumes from cardboard. Kids will be guided in how to make swords, shields, helmets, heads, and wings. From construction to painting and decorating, kids will have a blast making creations of their very own. Adults may stay to assist younger participants.
Spookcessible
This Halloween event is designed for children with differing abilities. Search for easily accessible non-spooky ghosts to turn in for treats. Once you have found all the ghosts, head over to the pumpkin patch to pick a gourd to take home.
Spooky Fun at Jim Barnett Park
An evening of activities and games, Halloween dance music and stories, cookies and cider, and of course pumpkins! Bring your flashlight to search our pumpkin patch for your favorite gourd to take home (while supplies last). This family-friendly event allows small children to participate and have fun in a friendly Halloween environment. Costumes are welcome, but no masks or weapons. There will be a costume contest for individuals (by age categories) and group entries (all ages).
Ghouls & Gals Middle School Dance
Our annual Halloween Dance is back! For middle school students only, this dance features a DJ and costume contest. Food will be available for purchase at minimal cost. SCHOOL ID is REQUIRED for admission. No masks or weapons and costumes must be school dress code appropriate! Chaperons include WPRD Childcare Staff.
Pumpkins in the Pool
Are you ready for some Halloween aquatic fun? Take a swim with pumpkins in the pool, and yes, they float! Children may choose their favorite pumpkin to decorate following their pool session. Ages 2 - 12. Children under age 10 must have an adult (age 18+) in the water with them, no exceptions (even if the child can swim). A limited number of child life jackets are available on request. Registration is by age group. No day-of registrations will be taken. To register for the Siblings session, you must first register a child in the Sibling 2-5 program, then register additional children in either the Sibling 2-5 or Sibling 6-12 programs.
Haunted Cookie House Decorating
Let's build and decorate a haunted house! In this 1 hour class, you will learn how to assemble your house and decorate it with icing and themed candy. Note: Recipes are nut-free; however, items are not prepared in a nut-free kitchen.
| Event | Date | Ages | Time | Location | Fee | Register By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Costume Creation Class | SA, 10/8 | 6 - 12 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Arts & Crafts Room | Fee: $23 RDF: $20 |
10/1 |
| Spookcessible | F, 10/14 | All | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Familyland & Children's Dream Playground Areas (In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the gym) |
FREE | n/a |
| Spooky Fun | F, 10/14 | All | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Rotary Pavilion | FREE | n/a |
| Ghouls & Gals Middle School Dance | SA, 10/15 | DMIS and area Middle School students | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Gym | $8 in advance through CommunityPass; $10 cash at the door. | 10/14 for discount |
| Pumpkins in the Pool | SA, 10/22 | 2 - 12 | 11:00 - 11:15 a.m. (Siblings Session, one child must be 2 - 5yrs old) 11:25 - 11:40 a.m. (Ages 2 - 5) 11:50 - 12:05 p.m. (Ages 6 - 8) 12:15 - 12:30 p.m. (Ages 9 - 12) |
Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Indoor Pool | Fee: $12 RDF: $10 |
10/9 |
| Haunted Cookie House Decorating | TU, 10/25 | 14+ | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, Lord Fairfax Room |
Fee: $40 |
10/18 |
2022 Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
The Holiday Parade returns to Old Town in 2022! Hosted by Winchester Parks and Recreation, the parade begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 28. The parade typically features floats, bands, and vehicles representing local organizations. Santa himself will most certainly make an appearance, too! The annual tree lighting will take place immediately following the parade. Spirited and jolly community organizations are invited to participate in the parade by submitting an application, below. Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, November 9. The parade map will be made available to the public closer to the event so everyone can find a great spot to watch!
2022 Holiday Parade Application
Applications may be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
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Online using the Online Form
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In Person: Submit the completed Printable Form at the Jim Barnett Park Rec Center (War Memorial Building) during open hours (M-F 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
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By Mail: Send the completed Printable Form to:
Winchester Parks & Recreation
Attn: Leslie Bowery
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Completed applications must be submitted no later than 12 p.m. (Noon) on November 9, 2022 for consideration. Entries are not guaranteed.
Leslie Bowery
Community Recreation Coordinator
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 662-4946
Fax (540) 678-8791
Email
Special Event Permits
Click here for more information about holding a special event in Jim Barnett Park.
Grady Painter
Athletics & Facilities Coordinator
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 662-4946
Fax (540) 678-8791
Email