Portage Park Sample Signage

Directory Sign

Directory Signs are designed to be the primary pedestrian information sign for the park, including distance and direction to major park facilities, a map showing the locations of all facilities, a scale, a legend, and a QR code to link to a mobile phone version of the park directory. The sign is positioned at the main pedestrian entrance to the park.

Directional Post

Directional Posts are designed to be secondary pedestrian information signs positioned at secondary park entrances and at major decision-making points within the park. The sign will convey the name of the park and directions to those facilities.

Interpretive Sign

Interpretive Signs are intended to be educational. They provide detailed information about park features, which may be natural history or processes, cultural histories and features, wildlife information, park facilities, or other pieces of interesting or important information. These signs can be various sizes depending on the feature in question.

Aerial map of Portage Park showing proposed locations for signage, with yellow dots indicating Directory Signs or Directional Posts and a blue dot indicating an Interpretive Sign.

[Rendering: Illustrative examples of a Directory Sign, a Directional Post, and an Interpretive Sign.]

Sign Placement Factors

Consider the audience. Who is the likely user at a given location? Someone entering a park from the E&N or a parking lot may be less familiar with the area than someone entering on foot from a local residential street.

Strike a balance between providing information and still maintaining an uncluttered, natural environment which can foster a sense of discovery.

‘Confirmation signs’ indicating you are on the right trail are only typically required in wilderness areas and on very long or disorienting trails. View Royal’s urban parks need only provide information at entrances and major decision-making points where major park features are in opposite directions.