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Informing the Trail Experience: The Process of Signing a Trail

The webinar emphasizes learning about the trail and to determine what needs to be communicated, and where information is best posted.

Presented by:

• Don Meeker, President, Terrabilt Wayfinding Solutions
• Chris O’Hara, Senior Designer, Terrabilt Wayfinding Solutions

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Webinar Outline

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The presentation describes the process of signing a trail. While primarily addressing front country recreational trails, these ideas may be applied to all trails, front country, back country, bike trails, etc. The presentation will include graphics of the items being described.

The front end describes three key elements:

1. The importance of maps, how they are designed, the critical elements and the mechanics of the process;
2. a practical way to enhance accessibility (ADA/ABA as described in the Architectural Barriers Act); and
3. the importance of graphic standards and functional consistency.

The presentation emphasizes learning about the trail and to determine what needs to be communicated, and where information is best posted. The presenter will talk about universal design and how the information that is good for one user population is applicable to others.

The second half describes the kit-of-parts that includes each sign type; trail Identification, trail orientation kiosk, trailhead panel, trail map, accessibility information, rules and regulations, welcome panel, protection (land, wildlife, hiker), trail guide signs, mile points, waypoints, and safety.

Since no two trails are the same and the content of signing varies depending on condition, size, and complexity, the presenter will describe a planned approach anchored by a clear map.

Learning Objectives:

• The importance of maps, how they are designed, the critical elements and the mechanics of the process
• A practical way to enhance accessibility (ADA/ABA as described in the Architectural Barriers Act)
• The importance of graphic standards and functional consistency.

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Webinar Partners

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Presenters

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Don Meeker, President, Terrabilt Wayfinding Solutions
Briarcliff Manor, New York

Donald T. Meeker is president of Terrabilt: Wayfinding Solutions, a provider of sign system design and strategic planning for parks and natural preserves, and structures and signage graphics. Terrabilt is in Westchester County, New York. We work with park and trail managers throughout the United States.

 

Chris O’Hara, Senior Designer, Terrabilt Wayfinding Solutions
Briarcliff Manor, New York

Christopher O’Hara joined Meeker & Associates as a project designer in 1992 and is now Design Director. His work, reflects a career commitment to public design. He was a senior designer in the development of UniGuide Program Standards for the National Park Service. As part of this development, he has designed identification, wayfinding and visitor information plans for Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, C&O Canal National Historical Park and others.

As a member of the ClearviewHwy typeface design research team, he has been integrally involved in the five studies of the font with the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, and the Texas Transportation Institute.

In 2008 he became a Design Director, focusing on sustainable sign product developing for Terrabilt and has developed the designs and manufacturing methods for the 18 different structure systems and kiosk buildings. This work includes planning of an efficient supply chain quality control with low carbon footprint. Chris designed and the Terrabilt panel retention system that eliminates needless bolts in sign panels for an enhancing, vandal resistant approach to modular panel displays. Chris has also managed the user interface design for Signfolio, the Terrabilt sign program planning and management software system that is the core of a sustainability model.

 

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Closed Captioning

We are offering closed captioning for our webinars, thanks to a partnership with VZP Digital. If you are in need of this service, please email us prior to the webinar. An unedited transcript will be sent to all attendees following the webinar.

Learning Credits and CEUs

American Trails is proud to be a certified provider of the following learning credits and continuing education opportunities:

• American Institute of Certified Planners Continuing Maintenance (AICP CM)
• Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES PDH) (most HSW approved)
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) CEU equivalency petition
• CEU/PDH equivalency petition for other accepting organizations

Learning credits are free for attendees for American Trails webinars and the International Trails Symposium, as well as for other conferences, webinars, and workshops we offer credits for. Learn more here.

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Disclaimer

While we may individually agree (or disagree) in whole or in part with any or all of the participants, the views expressed in these webinars are not necessarily representative of the views of American Trails as an organization or its board and staff. Unless specific situations are noted by presenters, nothing in American Trails webinars should be considered to be interpreted as a standard.

Terms and Privacy Policy

By registering for our webinars, you submit your information to the webinar organizer and associated presenters and sponsors, who may use it to communicate with you regarding this event and their other services. Your organization may also be added to the American Trails Business Directory. You can easily cancel your registration at any time.

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878 views • posted 02/07/2023