HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-B-02 Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: Parks & Recreation Director Chris Jenkins
Date: May 15, 2023
Item: Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan
Council Action Requested:
Hire HKGI to conduct Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan.
Background Information:
Development of trail signage has been a topic of several recent meetings (Parks Advisory
Commission, Parks & Recreation Committee, and City Council Workshop) and has been seen as
a priority.
The baseline for this planning process can be found in the City’s People Movement Plan, which
will serve as the start for this planning process. The plan will memorialize design standards, sign
placement standards, sign information standards, and create a database of all trail signs and
locations so future replacements are streamlined.
After the planning is complete, staff will recommend budget items to implement the plan in
prioritized steps. Sign installation will have an immediate positive impact for residents and
visitors using Hastings’ Trail System and Dakota County Regional Trails.
Staff recommends engaging with HKGI as the consultant for this process. HKGI is a well-
respected firm in our region and was the consultant who developed our People Movement Plan
in 2021. HKGI has proposed a fee of $28,700 to complete this planning process. Staff
recommends beginning this process as soon as possible.
Financial Impact:
Budget Amendment $28,700 from Park Dedication Fund
Committee Discussion:
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The Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission has discussed the need for this project over
several meetings and voted its unanimous support at its April 19 meeting. This project was also
part of the discussion at the Parks Committee of Council meeting on March 27 and the City
Council workshop on April 3.
Attachments:
• HKGI Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan Proposal
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City of Hastings Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan Proposal 1 ]
Creating Places that Enrich People’s Lives
May 9, 2023
Chris Jenkins, Parks and Recreation Director
City of Hastings
Parks Department
920 West 10th Street
Hastings, MN 55033
RE: City of Hastings Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan Proposal
We understand that the city desires a city-wide wayfinding plan, specifically for trails, and for
directing people to destinations in the community. The wayfinding plan includes
identifying/connecting trails within the community, directing people around the community,
and connecting trails with neighborhoods and destinations.
The proposed project work plan is described below and includes a process of working closely
with city staff to develop signage standards for typical trail conditions. It is desired that the
sign design developed is simple and legible in order to minimize construction, installation,
and maintenance costs. The first phase of signage is planned to be installed in the spring of
2024.
WORK PLAN
Task 1 – Project Kick off & Organization
We will meet with city staff to review the project scope and desired deliverables. HKGi will
develop city-wide base maps and collect precedent images of sign types and styles to review
with staff. The kick off meeting will include a discussion of goals for trail signage, including
discussion of development of a sign type hierarchy and sign concepts. We will review relevant
recommendations from the Dakota County Greenway Wayfinding Guidebook: Greenways
Wayfinding Signage Standards Manual (dakota.mn.us), and the Hastings People Movement
Plan (2021).
Task 1 Meetings and Deliverables:
Kick off meeting with staff
Review precedent sign images
Base maps & Existing Sign Inventory
Stakeholder Coordination meeting with electric bike company
Develop Preliminary Sign Type Hierarchy (3-4 sign types)
Identification of trail conditions/scenarios and decision points where signs are needed
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City of Hastings Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan Proposal 2 ]
Task 2 – Develop Sign Concepts & Plan Document
Based on feedback from staff, we will develop draft and preferred sign type hierarchy and sign
concept designs. Material selection and placement will be recommended in order to develop
high level cost estimates for budgeting. Emphasis will be placed on a simple post and sign
panel style that may be installed by city staff.
We will assemble the preferred sign type hierarchy, sign designs, maps, and costs into a plan
document that will assist with trail signage implementation.
Task 2 Meetings and Deliverables:
Final Sign Type Hierarchy
City-wide map identifying sign placement locations
Draft & Final Sign Concept Designs (which includes a standard sign type design for
each situation, e.g. direct to community destination, trail intersection, mile markers)
Graphic design of sign panels including size, color, fonts, and graphics (directional
text, maps, etc.)
Develop planning level cost estimates and prioritization
Trail Wayfinding and Signage Plan document (PDF)
Coordination and review meetings (2-3)
FEE PROPOSAL
Task Fee
Task 1-Project Kick off and Organization $10,000
Task 2-Develop Sign Concepts & Plan Document $18,200
Expenses (mileage + printing) $500
Total $28,700
We look forward to the opportunity of helping the City of Hastings with such an important
community project. Please call or email if you have any additional questions or need
additional information. I can be reached at gabrielle@hkgi.com or 608-852-3370 (cell).
Sincerely,
Gabrielle Grinde, PLA
Vice President
HKGi
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