The Rotary Traffic Playground in Waynesboro celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Located at 101 Short Street near Constitution Park, this innovative facility was created through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Waynesboro, the Waynesboro Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth.
The playground features a miniaturized streetscape designed for children to learn and practice safe bike riding skills in a car-free environment. Riders can navigate stop signs, yield signs, crosswalks, and even a roundabout while learning essential traffic rules. The facility serves as a controlled environment where children and new riders can gain confidence and master cycling skills before venturing onto public roads or the adjacent South River Greenway.
The project marks the Rotary Club of Waynesboro’s centennial celebration, representing their commitment to community service. Special thanks go to the Shenandoah Valley Art Center for creating the playground murals, Francine Johnston for providing general course design, and Waynesboro Public School elementary students for contributing creative design ideas.
The playground welcomes bikes, scooters, and electric assist equipment. Users are reminded to ride on the right-hand side, obey all traffic signs and signals, watch for other riders and walkers, and be respectful of varied biking experience levels among users.
The project received support from multiple Rotary Clubs, including District 7570, Club of Staunton, Club of Nelson County, Club of Staunton Augusta County, Club of Waynesboro East Augusta, and Skyline Connection Rotary Club. Numerous major donors and volunteers also contributed to making this community asset a reality.
To learn more about the Rotary Traffic Playground, visit: https://www.waynesboro.va.us/2275/Rotary-Traffic-Playground