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Winchester parks staff propose facility upgrades, expanded programming in draft strategic goals
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff presented two draft goals to the Strategic Planning Committee focused on facility management and expanded recreation programming, citing 16 existing parks, partnerships, ADA work, and the need for more staff and funding tools.
Parks and Recreation staff presented draft strategic goals to the Strategic Planning Committee of Winchester City Council that emphasize managing the city’s existing parks system and expanding recreational programming.
The draft plan would continue a focus on a network of quality parks and green space and add action items for facility management, planning, community input, partnerships and program expansion. Chris Kanye, speaking for the department, said, “if you don't know as of today we have 16, parks throughout the city,” and noted two potential park additions: a Ward Plaza park after a recent input session on Middle Road and a possible green space related to the 0 Pack project.
The new goals are organized around two broad aims: maintaining and upgrading existing facilities, and activating new and existing spaces through programming. Kanye described ongoing facility work—inspections, lifespan tracking, safety checks and cleanliness standards—and said the department uses a park master plan and annual capital improvement prioritization. He told committee members the department “track[s] usage” and uses platform data from the tourism department to estimate park visits on busy days such as July 3.
Programming staffer Jason Brown said the programming goal is “to deliver and expand offering of programs that responds to community needs.” Brown outlined a program audit to identify gaps, evaluation of partnerships, development of a program budget protocol, and use of customer feedback surveys after leagues, camps and events. He highlighted expanded offerings such as private swim lessons, inflatable rental options for pools and increased drop-in play for sports like pickleball.
Officials and staff addressed accessibility, partnerships and finances. A councilor asked about accessible playgrounds; Kanye said the new Family Land playground “is going to be highly ADA accessible” and that the department recently completed an ADA inspection and is “waiting on the results.” Kanye also cited partnerships—Blue Ridge helped fund a turf field at Jim Barnett Park—and said Blue Ridge participation is approaching roughly 2,000 annual users. He said Under Armour flag football began with a target of about 100 participants and has grown to roughly 330.
Committee members pressed staff on staffing and fees. Kanye said the department is watching staffing needs as it adds facilities and programs, and that the fee structure is reviewed annually and is reviewed by the Park Advisory Board in December. The department also uses the Parks Foundation and a scholarship fund to offer discounts; staff noted the SU scholarship the department has used “ends this year.”
Kanye and Brown identified performance measures the department already tracks: facility reservations, number of park visitors, partnerships, program participation and department revenue. The presentation also flagged July 3 programming and planning for the country's upcoming 200th birthday as events the department is scaling.
Committee members offered generally supportive remarks and asked staff to continue to build out staffing and budget details. The Parks Advisory Board was described by a councilor as “very much engaged” and a productive partner in planning.
The Strategic Planning Committee will consider the parks goals as part of the broader draft strategic plan; staff asked for committee feedback and noted the department would return with any requested clarifications or additional data.
