Shaffner Park

Playground and Play Areas

Imagine a playground where kids can become seafaring captains for the day! That's exactly what you'll find at Shaffner Park, which features a two-story ship-themed structure complete with red slides (two big ones!), a climbing ladder, and an actual ship captain's wheel for little adventurers to steer their imaginary voyages.

The thoughtful design includes a covered area beneath the ship structure where kids can play in the shade on hot Carolina days. Parents will appreciate the concrete wall separating the playground from the parking lot, adding an extra layer of safety for enthusiastic explorers. The mulch ground covering helps cushion inevitable tumbles. Beyond the playground, there are plenty of open spaces ideal for throwing a frisbee, having a picnic, or just sprawling out with a good book.

Sports Facilities

For those with a competitive streak, Shaffner Park offers several options. The well-maintained soccer fields come complete with goals and are level enough to satisfy even picky players. If you're organizing a proper match or joining the frequent pickup games, these fields work beautifully for soccer, flag football, or whatever field sport strikes your fancy.

The recently renovated tennis courts offer a great surface for matches, while the six pickleball courts have become quite the hotspot for local players. Just note that a one-hour time limit applies when others are waiting to play - fair's fair!

Trails and Fitness Options

Right across from the playground and tennis area, you'll find a paved walking trail that's ideal for your daily steps. The path offers a pleasant mix of environments - intermittent tree cover on one side and full shade on the other - making it comfortable even during warmer months. A charming footbridge crosses over a small creek, adding both scenery and route options to your walk.

For those looking to kick their outdoor exercise up a notch, the exercise stations placed along the trail create a natural parcourse experience. These stations let you mix cardio and strength training while enjoying the fresh air. The mile-long track splits into two sections with exercise stations strategically placed throughout for a complete workout.

Natural Features

Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best. The park's small creek is accessible via short trails and offers those peaceful moments of connection with nature - the gentle sounds of water flowing, birds calling to each other, and leaves rustling in the breeze. It's a great spot to decompress and remind yourself why outdoor spaces matter so much to our wellbeing.

Amenities

You'll discover clean restrooms near the tennis courts during regular park hours (though in winter, they switch to portable toilets - good to know before you go!). When you need a break or it's time for lunch, the park offers plenty of picnic tables and benches scattered around the grounds and along the trails.

Parking is straightforward with a dedicated lot, and on those extra busy weekend days, you can find overflow parking along the small road next to the open field. These thoughtful touches make Shaffner Park a go-to spot for Winston-Salem families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who just needs a dose of fresh air and green space.