Gulf State Park Signage
GULF SHORES, AL
As part of Gulf State Park’s ongoing enhancement plan, a new trail signage system and updates to existing vehicular and pedestrian signs were important additions to the overall visitor experiences. A comprehensive signage program was developed that coordinated with the park’s update visual identity.
Collaborators
ArchitectureWorks
– Mary McGarity
– Jay Pigford
– Scott Thompson
Additional
Sasaki
Over several decades as the park’s facilities had changed, new roads and trails constructed, and new amenities added, signs had been created on an ad hoc basis without any visual standardization to unify them.
The first phase of the signage program was the development of trail signage. The initial master plan developed by Sasaki included a proposed trail signage guideline that was expanded upon for a park-wide signage system.
Six trail sign formats were planned based on the possible number of trail intersections. The sign panels were sized to accommodate a standard 4x4 wooden post.
Layouts were prepared using just two sign panel sizes developed through an analysis of maximum word lengths and maximum number of listed destinations. The icons developed and used in the GSP Trail Map were included on the trail signs in order to coordinate both visual experiences.
Over fifty sign posts with approximately 150 individual panels were installed along the 28-mile trail system. Since the trails are either paved or are constructed as elevated board walks guests of any ability can experience the entire park without the need of a vehicle.
Upon the conclusion of the trail signage a second phase of park enhancements commenced which included an overhaul to the existing vehicular and pedestrian signage. This signage suite included twenty-two sign types implemented across two hundred installation locations. The signs types ranged to include wall mounted panels, large pedestrian kiosks, and entrance identification monuments. A standards manual was provided to the park’s facilities management team to enable them to direct vendors on the production and installation of the sign system.
Selected Press
USA Today 10 best recreational trails in the US
No. 1: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
You're spoiled for choice at the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex, which offers 27 trails across nine different ecosystems. You can trek through wildflowers and tall pines on the Rosemary Dunes trail, take in the views from the overlook on the Gulf Oak Ridge trail, and enjoy the abundance of complex amenities, like the Butterfly Garden and the Pavilion.