A test sign for the upcoming Wayfinder sign program has been erected on College Avenue between 7 th and 8 th Streets. The sign, the first of a series that will enhance the locations of numerous attractions, event locations and municipal facilities is a part of the Wayfinder program that was begun in October of 1999. We've been working with a firm who has had great success in many areas around the country in producing a program that is both attractive and practical. Corbin Design Group, headquartered in Traverse City, MI has had provided similar wayfinding expertise to 14 communities throughout the country including Madison WI, Holland MI, Columbus IN, and Indianapolis as well as 13 universities. Fernandez said that the experience of these other cities has shown that the total number of directional signs in a community decreases significantly when a wayfinder program is implemented.
Directional information scattered across several signs is consolidated into a signal sign.
The pilot sign that has been erected on Walnut Street is considered the third level of the sign series that indicates specific locations within a certain symbol district. This will give us the opportunity to gain feedback on whether it is legible from a vehicle traveling up to 30 mph. If not, we can still make any necessary changes before going into full production. The Wayfinder program is being paid for by a series of funds from the City of Bloomington, Build Indiana Fund, Indiana University, Monroe County Highway Dept., Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bloomington Economic Development and the Commission for Bloomington Downtown.