The importance of signage
General signage includes directional, regulatory, naming and temporary signage. Signage that is designed well can help build the Auckland Council brand and communicate the role that the organisation plays in creating, maintaining and providing quality parks. Effective signage also plays a role in building stronger and safer communities, by discouraging anti-social behaviour and communicating contact information for assistance when such behavior occurs. Signage should be thoughtfully integrated into parks, providing wayfinding and information in an integrated fashion, so as to not detract from the significant natural and cultural aspects of parks. The use of symbols (info-graphics) or bilingual signage should be integrated to communicate key messages.
Signage may be used to fulfill a number of wayfinding and informative roles within parks including:
- providing external direction to guide the public to main entry points
- providing gateway and entry markers at key entry points
- providing directional signage within the park to aid in navigation, giving both location and directional information. This is best located at forks and track junctions
- providing temporary signs that give information on seasonal or temporary restrictions, such as construction works and upcoming events
- providing regulatory signage which gives information on restrictions. These signs are used to encourage or discourage visitor behaviours in parks, either in support of certain activities (e.g. 'Please use the litter bins provided') or against (e.g. 'Smoke Free')
Things to consider when locating signage:
- the scale of the signage in the context of the surrounding landscape. Compact elements such as bollard signs may be more appropriate in some instances
- cluster signs with other built elements such as buildings and structures, to reduce the overall visual clutter of built elements within parks
- use natural backdrops such as shrub planting and land contour to reduce the overall visual impact of signage. Avoid placing signs in the middle of large open spaces
- locate signs on accessible pedestrian networks and ensure there is a barrier free route to the sign, particularly for those with disabilities
- ensure the placement of signs does not detract from views or significant natural or cultural landscapes
- locations with good passive surveillance will reduce the risk of vandalism
- each Auckland Council department has access to a communications and marketing advisor to assist with copywriting and production of signage where necessary, as well as access to design services
- minimise clutter and the use of multiple signs where a single sign could convey all the messages, e.g. smoke free, dog status
- where accessible toilets are provided, include this information on signage at the entrance to the park
Things to consider about look and materials:
- mount information at an appropriate height and angle for viewing. Consider users of all abilities, including short people and children. Average eye height is 1220mm seated or 1550mm standing
- ensure that the sign enhances, but does not detract, from the natural and open characteristics of parks
- ensure board surfaces are non-reflective
- light signage where appropriate and ensure lettering contrasts well with the background
Things to consider about sign maintenance and management:
- carry out regular formal inspections of all signage structures to ensure they are maintained to a high standard
- ensure the process of replacing or updating signage structures is incorporated into any parks maintenance manual, including details of any consultants, historians, copywriters or manufacturers who have been involved in developing the signs
- ensure signage replacement is included in the budget early on, to ensure the quality of all interpretive signage in parks
- ensure signage structures and elements can be serviced by New Zealand based contractors
Avoid graffiti and vandalism of signs by:
- locating interpretive signage in areas of high passive surveillance
- placing appropriate lighting near signage where appropriate, to act as a strong deterrent to vandals
- removing or repairing vandalised signage immediately to deter further vandalism
- allocating adequate funds to remove and replace vandalised signage
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