Signs. Think about it. What would we do without signs? Crosswalks, road junctions, parking, street names — signs are a critical element in our lives. When they are well done, we take them for granted because they help to make our travels stress free and seamless. When they are poorly planned, it’s all we can talk about. A welcome gateway to a town and an easy way to navigate – for residents and tourists – is an important part of downtown revitalization.
Since moving to a new town and doing my best to locate all of the trails and find the best places to shop/eat, the shortcuts and the town events, I’ve realized the importance of actively promoting your own town, to its residents and to tourists. For those of us without school age children or an existing network of friends where we live, it is very hard to be in the loop. My town does not do the greatest job of publicizing events or identifying and locating its resources/activities to those not in the know. We do not have a true welcome center or a coherent signage system, despite the fact that we are in the middle of ski country. As a new resident in town, I think one of the most helpful resources would be a “you are here” map and a good town website. If only all towns could have smart phone apps like the big cities do?! (I’m kidding, sort of.)
Aside from access to information, an important element for towns and cities is the gateway. What is the first impression that tourists will have when entering the town? Or, how will residents feel when returning home? People need to feel welcome and should be directed where to go for information or how to get to the business district, where to park, how to find the baseball field, post office or library, etc. And a “You are Here” sign at a critical crossroads or center of town could do wonders. Such a sign that features a circle to represent a 5 or 10 minute walking distance could be a good idea as well.
Downtown signage is a hot topic in communities, currently, in the United States and in Europe. (Check out Legible London and the article in Slate magazine.) The goal of uniform and complementary signs throughout a town/city will hopefully help to create a positive subconscious feeling for tourists and residents. In a way, it shows community pride in addition to providing an easy visitor experience. People are more likely to return if they have felt comfortable and not stressed when visiting. Right? An effective signage and wayfinding system is an art form – almost – or at least requires forethought and planning. The Project for Public Spaces provides information about how to create that effective system.
Living in and visiting small towns who survive partially based on tourism (actually much of Vermont’s economy is fueled by the tourism industry – come visit!) has opened my eyes and perhaps changed my mind about signage and even banners. A well planned wayfinding system has the power to change a visitor’s experience and to help the town succeed.
It is now that I have to retract my distaste for banners. I first wrote about them in 2008 when I lived in Southern Pines, because I felt that in this town they were not shared throughout the town and left out businesses. That, and they actually said the word “charm” on them. Okay, I still agree with myself on those facts. However, I think the use of banners can be effective and do provide a helpful guide for travelers. For a town who is working to establish a gateway and main street feeling, banners are a good step forward.
Historic downtown banners in Southern Pines, North Carolina (2008).
So the next time you are traveling in a new place or where you live, take note of the signage. What sort of system does your town have? What do you think about signage? How about banners? If you could offer a fresh opinion, what would you change?
Preservation in Pink 
I agree with your story. Wayfinding signage is a main key to small town U.S.A. Working for a company that manufactures decorative signage systems and exterior lighting fixtures we work with small towns and cities every week to help them improve the look and feel of their community. Many small towns are on tight budgets and sometimes have difficulty securing funding to make these type of improvements, but with help from grants and donations many areas are working to re-energize the city streets that they know and love.
Adding decorative lighting poles with banners is a great community fundraiser by having local business’s or families advertise on these banner. This serves as a great funds generator as well as a solid promotional tool to make visitors aware of places of interest in your community.
http://specialliteproducts.blogspot.com/
You’re absolutely right! The ability for visitors to adequately explore a new town or city depends greatly on the amount of and thought behind appropriate signs. I think this can go two ways. The first is more artistic – adding signs that are helpful and visually pleasing. Main Street Uniontown, in Uniontown, Pa., has done a great job with this, having added new street signs and attraction guide signs in the last few years (in addition to other beautification projects). The result tends to be a more aesthetically-pleasing downtown, and it makes it easier for visitors to get around. Main Street Uniontown was given “National Main Street Accreditation” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its efforts.
The second is more functional. Here in Morgantown, W.Va., the streets downtown are older, narrow and confusing because multiple routes all converge in a small radius, and there are many one-way streets. However, the city has helped by placing visible signage directing drivers to parking (very important), the boat ramps and other parts of downtown, making the drive a bit easier.
I agree. I found it very odd in Vermont that the covered bridges are such a big thing and are event on the maps, but there is no signs to identify where they are. We went looking for 11 bridges and only found 9. Signage would have been a great help!
True. A street sign is very helpful, especially when you’re new to the place. But signs are taken for granted if you’ve visited the place several times.
By the way, if street signs are common, I think banners should also be placed in streets to announce events. I think there are discounted banners at Display Today. Check Display Today website if they still have them.
The photo is sideways, can you realign it? Since this is so relevant, I would like to post on our Facebook page.
You should be able to right click and save. I’ll try to realign it. Thanks!