Parks, Programs, and Progress

A rooftop tennis complex on top of a free parking garage at Jim Barnett Park? It's a real proposal, and Winchester Parks Director Chris Konyar is here to walk through the facts. Janet Michael sits down with Chris at Jim Barnett Park for their regular check-in on everything happening at Winchester's parks this fall and holiday season. Chris shares what's ahead on the calendar: Spooky Fun on October 16, the Holiday Parade application deadline, and a Veterans Appreciation ceremony at the park's war memorials. He also covers youth basketball, the indoor golf simulator, swim lessons, and the results of the city's aquatics feasibility study. Then he explains Shenandoah University's proposal to build a 300-space parking garage with tennis courts on the roof: who pays, who manages it, and what happens next. If you've heard the rumors, listen to get the facts straight from the parks director. EVENT DETAILS Native Plant Festival: Saturday, October 3, 10 AM–2 PM, Audubon Arboretum, Jim Barnett Park. Free. Native plants for sale, educational booths, kids' activities, and food from Chick-fil-A. Spooky Fun: Friday, October 16, 5:30–8 PM, Jim Barnett Park (War Memorial Building and grounds). Free admission. Costume contest with prizes, trick-or-treating, touch-a-truck, inflatables, crafts, and food trucks. Boo Bundles (s'mores at the fire pits) are $5 if you pre-register and more at the door, while supplies last. Halloween Cookie Decorating Class: Wednesday, October 28. Holiday Parade application deadline: Monday, November 2. Applications are on the Parks & Recreation website, with a small registration fee. Veterans Appreciation: Friday, November 6, 11 AM ceremony at the war memorials in Jim Barnett Park, followed by lunch for veterans in the social hall. Winchester Holiday Parade: Monday, November 30 (the Monday after Thanksgiving), downtown Winchester, ending with the Christmas tree lighting in Old Town. LINKS & RESOURCES Winchester Parks & Recreation: winchesterva.gov/Parks-Recreation Park events calendar: winchesterva.gov/Parks-Recreation/Park-Events Native Plant Festival: winchesterva.gov/News-Happenings/Events/Native-Plant-Festival Park Advisory Board agendas (including the SU Parking Garage/Tennis Court Proposal in the September 28 packet): winchesterva.gov, under Public Meetings THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday