City of Waynesboro Partners to Create Tensile Membrane Structure

Located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the City of Waynesboro adds an engineered textile stage backdrop to set the scene at their annual Groovin' at the Greenway free concert series.

Waynesboro, Virginia is surrounded by natural scenery. Nestled at the base of the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park, halfway between Charlottesville (the bustling home of the University of Virginia) and Staunton (the quaint, historic childhood home of Woodrow Wilson), Waynesboro is yet another unique location for visitors to the blue ridge. Touting a thriving main street district, numerous parks within city limits, picturesque neighborhoods, a scenic river, breweries, vineyards, and by far the best access to mountain trails of any town around - Waynesboro has continued to embrace its industrial past and blend it with a progressive focus on recreation for the future.

Spending time on the Greenway provides a preview into the walking/biking infrastructure soon to come. The famous Blue Ridge Tunnel project will soon connect Waynesboro to it's Eastern neighbor, Crozet - passing through the country town of Afton on its way. This path will likely lay the groundwork for further economic development east of the South River in Waynesboro, near the top of Afton Mountain, and be a spur towards creating a trail network that could connect Staunton, Charlottesville, Richmond and beyond.

Groovin' on the Greenway is an expression of Waynesboro's community-focused approach and the recent partnership with Ryzing Technologies, a Staunton-based engineering firm, furthers the event's local ties. Together the city and Ryzing Tech have designed and fabricated a tensile membrane structure to bring a venue feel to the grassy north end of Constitution Park. Beginning on June 7th with the Righteous Friendz Band and running through the end of the month (every Thursday) will be a series of free concerts with the stage placed under the textile structure. Visit their site for a full lineup.

What is a tensile membrane structure? Tensile membrane is simply an engineered textile, tensioned to create architectural function and design appeal. Applications of this technology can be found from awnings to event tents and even stretches into inflatables, yes the bounce-house, but also a variety of more technical and practical purposes.

Ryzing Technologies works with clients to develop innovative solutions in the textile engineering space. Its principals were fundamental in engineering and fabricating the AirBeam shelters that have become a standard in the United States Military and are under contract with the Army to develop an adjustable and reusable platform system to act as the flooring placed underneath the aforementioned shelters (this platform will double as a stage for the Waynesboro concert series).

Partnerships between local companies and local governments are integral to the economic development of a region, often breeding a different form of functional, community-oriented innovation. The concert shell will act as a tool for the City of Waynesboro and a showcase piece for a sector that Ryzing Technologies continues to pursue. To learn more about tensile membrane structures, or inquire about working together, contact Ryzing Technologies here.

​ If you find yourself in the area, join us at the free concert series and take some time to learn more about what the City of Waynesboro is doing to distinguish itself as a recreation hub for visitors and residents alike.