City moves to refresh wayfinding signs ahead of November balloon festival

City staff presented updated wayfinding signage designs Monday and said a phased replacement program will begin this winter with a goal of installed signs before the November balloon festival.

The update matters because refreshed wayfinding can help visitors and residents find arts, recreational and civic destinations, support downtown revitalization and reflect the city’s current brand and landmarks.

Ryan (communications staff) described a new color palette (warm desert orange and cream) and proposed watermarks featuring local landmarks such as the bell tower, folklorico dancers, the Lalo Guerrero statue and hot-air balloons. The planned signs are two-sided aluminum panels with graffiti-resistant laminate; staff said many existing poles and supports can be reused to reduce cost.

Council members reacted positively and suggested minor edits. Council member Carnivale recommended incorporating the Cathedral Mountains into a balloon watermark. A council member asked that fire-station locations or access points be shown on appropriate signage; staff said they would add fire department locations to the list of destinations under consideration.

Staff said the effort will proceed in four phases, beginning with the downtown/Perez corridor area; their target was to start installation in November so some signs could be in place for the city’s hot-air-balloon events. The presentation listed specific destinations to add or call out on signs: Cathedral Cove Center, the community amphitheater, Big League Dreams, the senior center, CB Rep Theater, Agua Caliente Casinos and others.

No formal action was taken. Staff will refine final text and imagery with the design contractor, incorporate council suggestions (including the mountains-on-balloon watermark and fire-station references), and return to the council or proceed administratively as the design-for-production schedule requires.