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CITY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT
ON WAYFINDING
Sarasota, FL: The public is invited to learn
about the City of Sarasota’s proposed wayfinding
system at a workshop Wed., July 18, 2007 at 6:30pm at the
Selby Public Library Auditorium, 1331 First Street. City
staff members will provide an overview of the project and
how it will help drivers and pedestrians find their way
to, through and around the City of Sarasota. . |
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In the Fall 2005, Senior Urban Designer Gary A. Kecskes spent
two months studying the City’s current condition. He
discovered a mishmash of signage, placed haphazardly around
the City. Kecskes explained to the City Commission that a
properly designed wayfinding system not only leads people
to their destinations, but it expresses community spirit,
bolsters community pride, and makes visitors and residents
feel welcome. “Effective wayfinding can drive additional
people to business districts and help them realize there
are more amenities in an area than they may have intuitively
garnered,” said Kecskes.
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Following a year of research and discussions with
local stakeholders, and extensive review and evaluation by City staff,
RMJM Hillier, a Philadelphia based firm, was selected from eleven
national wayfinding design specialists, last March, to create Sarasota’s
new wayfinding system.
The wayfinding system will benefit the public by facilitating parking,
reducing traffic congestion and last minute lane changes. The pedestrian
portion of the system promotes walkability in the downtown, possibly
incorporating interpretive signs explaining Sarasota’s story as
related through history, public art, architecture, landmarks, and the
environment. The fully built-out system includes electronic kiosks strategically
placed, where pedestrians can use the internet to tap into an array
of resources to facilitate a pleasant visit to Sarasota and to enhance
economic development by guiding people to local retailers, restaurants,
and tourist attractions.
The workshop will be presented in two parts. The first hour will include
a Power Point presentation detailing the need for a wayfinding
system, followed by a question and answer session with the public. The
next
hour will be devoted to seeking input from the public and understanding
their needs and desires relative to the design and development
of the wayfinding system.
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