Downtown wayfinding plan proposed; commissioners weigh locations, timeline

Estacada city staff presented a phased plan for new wayfinding signage on April 7 to direct visitors to downtown amenities, parks and trailheads, and to create a consistent visual identity for the city.

Melanie (staff member) told the Downtown Estacada Commission the plan builds on older directional signs that still exist near Broadway and the dentist office but point to businesses that no longer operate. She said the project would proceed in phases: directional signs and an entrance sign on the south approach as phase one, with kiosk and park/rules signage in later phases. Staff are coordinating with the city’s economic development contractor, and intend to request budget for manufacture and installation in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Commissioners and members of the public suggested multiple locations and features. Harvest Market Square, City Hall, Timber Park, the Veterans Memorial and the school athletic fields were recommended as priority sites to capture visitors who arrive for tournaments and other events. Speakers suggested keeping signage content easy to update — for example by using a QR code or a digital directory — and ensuring signage can be adapted when businesses change. One commissioner proposed color-coding categories (restaurants, trails, parks) and another urged coordination with the Chamber of Commerce so visitor-facing kiosks and the soon-to-open visitor center share a common look.

Melanie said the city owns some candidate sites (including a parking lot at the south end) but noted right-of-way or ownership issues could make some placements “tricky,” citing a likely ODOT right-of-way near the south approach. She said staff will reach out to partner organizations such as the Chamber and school district for locations near athletic fields and confirmed a goal of getting at least the initial directional signs installed by the end of the year, with a target of end of summer if possible.

Questions from commissioners focused on maintenance, ease of updates and costs. Commissioners and members of the public favored QR codes and small brochure boxes to avoid empty racks, and recommended placing signage near high-traffic visitor arrival points off Timber Park and at school parking areas used during tournaments. Melanie said the city will include manufacture and installation funding in the coming budget request and will return with more specific site recommendations and costs.

The discussion concluded with staff saying they would incorporate the suggestions and continue outreach to partners before returning to the commission with detailed plans and budget figures.