June 8, 2026

The city officially launched a month-long, grant-funded demonstration project between Augusta and Market streets.

For the month of June, they’ve temporarily transformed the right-hand travel lane into an expanded, pedestrian space filled with benches, greenery, bike racks, and turf.

Why are they doing this?

They want to spark a community conversation. In late 2027, federally funded safety upgrades are coming to nine downtown intersections. Because of our unique downtown hills and narrow right-of-ways, those intersection upgrades will naturally narrow traffic down to a single lane exclusively at the intersections.

While that intersection work is moving forward, any permanent expansion of the mid-block sidewalk space is unfunded and not planned at this time. This 30-day trial is simply a creative “test kitchen” to help them visualize how our public space could look in the long-term future.

They want this to work for everyone, and know it’s different to navigate.

They have placed a dedicated 60-foot delivery zones right into the middle of each block.

They want your feedback!

Whether you love it, have concerns, or have ideas on how to make it better, your voice matters.

Come grab a coffee, test out the seating, and let them know what you think.

You can find the survey on the City of Staunton website or through the link on their Facebook page.

May 25, 2026

Staunton is ready to dive into the 2026 swim season with their brand-new Gypsy Hill Park Pool House, but the chilly weekend forecast has forced them to re-schedule the Ceremony and Tour!

Because of the weekend rain and closure, the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house have been rescheduled to Friday, May 29.

10:00 a.m. – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Remarks

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Free Public Open House Tour: Come explore the zero-barrier access, upgraded restrooms and changing areas, and new covered patio.

11:30 a.m. – Brief operational reset.

12:00 p.m. – Pool opens for regular public swimming.

They appreciate your patience as they navigate Mother Nature’s plans, and cannot wait to celebrate this incredible, transformative project with you!

This project is a major win for residents, moving from the original 1950s facility to one that respects the needs of today’s families and guests.

Extended 2026 Season
In addition to the new facility, the city is pleased to announce an extended pool season for 2026. While the pool has historically closed in early August, the current budget allows for limited operations to continue through Labor Day, contingent upon lifeguard staffing.

For more information on pool hours, season passes, and swimming programs go to the City of Staunton website or their Facebook page.

May 18, 2026

Heads up, Staunton drivers!

If you’re coming into the city on Richmond Avenue (Route 250), keep a close eye on your speedometer. The 35 mph zone now begins about 1,000 feet earlier than it used to.

Why the change?

The 45 mph transition zone has been shortened to accommodate the new VDOT funded, Richmond Ave. shared-use path. Lowering the speed limit on the bridge section over the railroad allows designers to safely fit the path into the limited space available.

Stay alert and help keep our community safe!

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, the City of Staunton will have modified schedules for various offices and facilities. Beverley Street will remain closed for Shop & Dine Out through Memorial Day, with bollards being removed at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Trash Collection: Residential trash regularly scheduled for pickup on Monday, May 25, will instead be collected on Wednesday, May 27. Downtown CBD customers will receive collection on Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27. Both Gypsy Hill Park and Montgomery Hall Park pools open for the season on Saturday, May 23, and will be open on Memorial Day. Administrative offices and the Recycling Center will be closed on Monday, May 25.

The Staunton Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25. Digital resources remain available 24/7 at StauntonLibrary.org. Note that seasonal Sunday hours end this weekend, May 17. Regular city hours and operations will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

More information can be found on the City of Staunton website and their Facebook page

May 11, 2026

The full draft of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan is officially ready for citizen feedback.

This Staunton’s roadmap for the next 20 years, guiding decisions on everything from land use and housing to parks and sidewalks.

Based on the feedback they’ve heard from citizens over the last year, this draft focuses on:

Walkable Communities through mixed-use development.

Infrastructure with a focus on closing sidewalk gaps.

Preserving Character via compatible infill.

Natural Resources and urban tree canopy expansion.

How to weigh in:

Read the draft on the City website

Follow the link to the Comments page

Leave your comments in the boxes below each section.

Submit your feedback by May 25.

Your input will be shared with City Council as part of their special work session on June 3. Let’s finish this plan together!

May 4, 2026

The Staunton Fire Department, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is excited to announce that we are now offering a FREE bedside fire safety alarm for City of Staunton residents who are hearing impaired.

The Lifetone HL Bedside Fire Alarm alerts you with a loud 520 Hz tone, voice message (“FIRE! GET OUT!”), bed shaker, and bright visual display—so you don’t miss an emergency.

Available at NO COST through our Smoke Alarm Program.

Please contact Fire Station 1 at 540-332-3884 to learn more or request one. (We must order these per request so installation can take a few weeks)

For more information on the Bedside Smoke Alarm go to http://lifetonesafety.com/ Make sure everyone in your home can be alerted—day or night.