The City of Pasadena is putting up signs to help people find their way. The new markers are aptly named “way finding” signs, which, the history-loving city’s PIO reminds readers, date back to ancient Egypt.
Pasadena has several shopping and cultural districts and boasts such landmarks as the Rose Bowl Stadium, Norton Simon and Pacific Asia Museums, the Gamble, Fenyes, and Tournament houses, Pasadena Playhouse, Caltech and the iconic City Hall. The signs, which use a pleasing and easy-to-read font and are capped with the city’s logo, are designed to direct travelers and residents to these landmarks and distinct parts of town such as Old Pasadena, Civic Center, Playhouse District, East Pasadena, Arroyo Seco, and various shopping areas.
City Manager Michael Beck said, “Pasadena is a world-class destination for business and leisure travel and we want our visitors to enjoy their experience here. The way-finding signs will make it easier for them to find our major destinations and parking.” The signage will help in branding and marketing Pasadena’s many offerings, he added.
When the first phase of the project is completed in early summer, there will be 378 new signs, with about 150 placed for pedestrian viewing and the remainder for motorists. The second and third phases will include additional signs with changeable data that informs motorists of parking spot availability at various garages and monument signs marking main entry points into Pasadena.
Way finding signs have been used throughout history, Pasadena PIO William Boyer says, dating back to ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian times when sign boards were used by merchant and trade groups to identify their wares, and to mark the location of taverns or other services. Guilds in the Middle Ages used carved and painted signs for promotion.
The $2.2 million cost includes about $1.68 million from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and about $512,000 in matching funds from the City of Pasadena. The project is managed by Public Works with the City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Division and the city’s Department of Transportation.
Like this story?
Like All Things Rose Parade on Facebook or subscribe to Tournament of Roses Examiner by clicking the "Subscribe" link. If you have a question or would like a reply to your comment, please post on All Things Rose Parade or email me at lbmonteros@yahoo.com
Comments