Athletics Special Events
Family Fishing Rodeo: Join us on Saturday, June 17 for the annual Family Day Fishing Rodeo! Prizes will be awarded in eight divisions for the largest fish. VA State Fishing regulations apply. A special stocking is scheduled prior to the rodeo. Register in advance or day-of. This event is sponsored by Wilkins Trust Fund.
| Event |
Ages |
Dates |
Time |
Location |
Fee |
Register By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Fishing Rodeo | 4+ | SA, 6/17 | 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Wilkins Lake | $5 per person | 6/16 at 2:00 p.m. OR 6/17 at the Lake (cash only) |
Aquatics Special Events
9th Annual Splash Bash: Let’s open the outdoor pool with a splash! Come enjoy the slide, the diving board, and our excellent wading pool. A DJ will be playing your favorite music and food will be available for purchase at the concession stand. New this year... Come out and experience what it is like to be a scuba diver with Scuba Buddys, who will be on-site during the event. You will have a chance to win door prizes throughout the event, including free visits to the pool!
Fun in the Sun: Get ready for Fun in the Sun, a family-friendly event for all ages! On Saturday, June 24 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. the Jim Barnett Park Outdoor Pool will become an inflatable playground. Race to the end of the floating obstacle course, paddle around in bumper boats, and little ones can play all day in the toddler-appropriate inflatable. Gather your family and friends and finish the day at our photo booth and take a print home with you! Snacks will be available at the concession stand. No lap lane will be available during this event and the baby pool will be open as usual. Life jackets are the only flotation device allowed in the pool; a limited number will be available. No inflatables from home are allowed. Pool closes to the public at 4:30 p.m.
July 3rd Pool Party: Come out and celebrate Independence Day at the pool. A DJ will be playing your favorite music and food will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Fireworks display to follow starting at approximately 9:20 p.m.
Cardboard Boat Regatta: Calling all shipbuilders! We challenge you to design, construct, and navigate boats made entirely of cardboard across the blue seas of the outdoor pool. Compete in teams of two, but only one rower needs to register. All rowers under the age of 10 can participate at the lifeguard’s discretion (WPRD staff decisions are final). A limited supply of cardboard, duct tape, and scissors will be provided. Rules and further clarification will be emailed to participants after registration has ended.
Swim Under the Stars: Experience the pool at night and swim under the stars! Food will be available for purchase at the concession stand.
Luau Dollar Theme Day: It’s Luau Dollar Theme Day at the Outdoor Pool! On Friday, August 4, 1-6:30 p.m., entrance is just $1 per person if dressed in the tropical theme. Special Guests Island Style Luau Entertainment will provide a Polynesian dance show at 2:00 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. and offer the opportunity to guests to dance, too. Pay the Daily Visit Fee or use your membership if you don’t want to dress up.
Swim in Movie: Swim up for a movie at the pool! Food will be available for purchase at the concession stand.
All Paws on Deck Canine Swim: The pups rule the pool in our final splash of the summer! On Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., bring your furry friends out for the All Paws on Deck Canine Swim. Complete with music and local pet-related vendors and demonstrations, All Paws on Deck is fun for the whole family! Swimming is just $5 per dog and humans are free. While you’re here, check out the Dog Park – a gem in the Winchester community. All attendees MUST provide proof of rabies vaccination for entrance.
| Event |
Ages |
Dates |
Time |
Location |
Fee |
Register By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th Annual Splash Bash | All | SA, 6/10 | 12:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
| Fun in the Sun | All | SA, 6/24 | 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
| July 3rd Pool Party | All | M, 7/3 | 12:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
| Cardboard Boat Regatta | 6+ | SA, 7/8 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | $35; RDF: $30 | 6/23 |
| Swim Under the Stars | All | SA, 7/22 | 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
| Luau Dollar Theme Day | All | F, 8/4 | 1:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | $1 if in themed costume, otherwise pay the Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
| Swim in Movie | All | SA, 8/5 | 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. Movie starts at 9:00 p.m. |
Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
| All Paws on Deck Canine Swim | All | SA, 9/9 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | $5/dog Proof of rabies vaccination required. |
N/A |
Community Events & Trips
National Trails Day: Spend your Saturday morning on the trails! From 9-11 a.m., Jim Smith will be leading a nature walk through Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve. Meet at the main sign at 9 a.m. Also from 9-11 a.m., WPRD Staff will be set up on the Green Circle Trail right outside the new MSV entrance by James Wood Middle School. Stop by for trail maps and giveaways. Yoga instructor Shirley Dunsmore will be leading Outdoor Yoga from 9-10 a.m. at the MSV on the hill by the rock circle. Please bring a mat. The Winchester Police Department will be taking part in the promotion of safe bike riding from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The WPD bike team will have cone courses set up for children and will test bike skills such as a serpentine, braking exercise, and a slow race. A local bike shop will be on hand to check out the bikes that are brought to the event. Everyone participating under 16 years old should bring and use their bike helmet. The WPD will also lead a bike ride through the park for those who want to participate. All events are free to attend.
Maymont Trip: Join us for a day trip to Maymont in Richmond to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, Maymont Mansion, and the Robins Nature Center. You will have a set time to explore Maymont Mansion, but the rest of the time you will be able to explore the grounds and Nature Center at your leisure. We will stop for lunch (paid on your own) on the way back, but please feel free to brings snacks or food if you'd like. Water, sunscreen hat, and good walking shoes are recommended. SOLD OUT!
Muggles' Night Out: Calling all non-wizarding folk! Come out for an evening of magic and merriment with Winchester Parks & Recreation! You will be amazed by local performer "Magic by Tyler", be captivated by magnificent birds of prey, and be transported to another realm while watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. We will also have a wand-making station! Bring seating or blankets for a magical night under the stars! Concessions will be available for purchase.
- Magic show begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Birds of Prey show begins at 7:30 p.m.
- Movie showing begins at dusk.
Event is free to attend and will be held at the McCormack Amphitheatre in Jim Barnett Park. Family-friendly magical-themed costumes are welcome.
Community Fireworks: Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the Community Fireworks Show! Come early, find a spot, and enjoy listening and dancing to our DJ! Music will begin approximately 6:30 p.m., and the Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:20 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. If canceled for weather, there will be no rain date. No personal fireworks and no alcohol permitted on park property.
| Event |
Ages |
Dates |
Time |
Location |
Fee |
Register By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Trails Day | All | SA, 6/3 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Green Circle Trail, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley | Free | N/A |
| Maymont Trip (Registration Full!) | 10+ (Under 18 must have adult attend.) |
F, 6/9 | 7:00 a.m. Depart 5:30 p.m. Approx. Return |
Depart from Jim Barnett Park Rec Center. Travel to and from Maymont in Richmond, VA | $60 per person; RDF: $57 per person | 5/26 |
| Muggles' Night Out | All | F, 6/23 | 6:30 p.m. start | Jim Barnett Park, McCormack Amphitheatre | FREE | N/A |
| Community Fireworks | All | M, 7/3 | 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Jim Barnett Park, Outdoor Pool | Daily Visit or Membership | N/A |
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