Public parks, trails and gardens are recreational delights and nourishing sensory experiences. Their communication needs vary widely – gardens might focus on engaging interpretive displays, while large urban park systems and regional trails require extensive and strongly branded informational sign systems. All of them weave together themes of nature and exploration for the enjoyment of their visitors.

 

The identity of the park, trail or garden forms the foundation  for our design approach, along with the visitor profile. We create a unique program that meets the needs and interests of the client and audience. Our approach considers how people get to the space, what they do while they’re there, and what amenities or other information they’ll need during their visit.

 

Communication needs drive the design. A typical family of signs might include identification, wayfinding and interpretation, with a range of sizes, configurations and mounting methods. Signs are carefully scaled and tested in their setting to confirm legibility, placement and prominence.

 

We determine the proper materials for maximum longevity based on the climate and type of public use. Since park, trail and garden signs must stand up to the elements over the long term, the most robust materials and coatings must be used to facilitate maintenance. Understanding changeability needs and maintenance concerns helps us design systems that are flexible, cost-effective, and durable for our clients.

 

A selection of our clients

Adkins Arboretum
Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks
Boston Parks and Recreation
Blueprint IA, Tallahassee
Camden Children’s Garden
Center City District, Philadelphia
The Circuit Trails
Commuting Solutions, Northwest Colorado
Fairmount Park Conservancy
Longwood Gardens
Morris Arboretum
National Park Service

 

Natural Lands Trust
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition
Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Philadelphia Zoo
Schuylkill River Greenway Association
Tyler Arboretum
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

sign location map
In the early stages of design and strategy, we create sample journeys to illustrate typical messages and sign types.
bicycle wayfinding sign placement
We bike, walk, and drive routes to understand sign sequencing and to identify opportunities for placement.