Willows panel approves new downtown wayfinding signs, asks for vendor mock-ups

The Willows Planning Commission on Oct. 7 approved a base design for a new downtown wayfinding sign system and asked staff to return with detailed mock-ups and final sizing options from a local sign vendor.

Community Development Services Director Joe Bencourt credited an ad hoc wayfinding committee with guiding the design. He said the approved base concept uses a black background with white lettering, a gold accent and a willow-tree motif. “I think your collaboration produced a clear, attractive sign system,” Bencourt said, and added the committee recommended small refinements such as rounded corners or spacing adjustments that can be handled in vendor mock-ups.

Staff said the design will replace existing signs at Wood and Butte streets, add or replace signage at Lassen and Sycamore streets and add signs at Tehama and Sycamore streets. The museum sign at Lassen would be replaced and an additional sign added on Butte Street. Commissioners discussed minor stylistic questions — whether to include small bullet points beside destinations, arrow length, and color choices — and emphasized consistency across all signs.

The ad hoc committee named by staff included Vice Chair Quorum, Commissioner Nygaard, Council Member Bridal (as planning commission liaison), downtown business owner Holly Myers and Chamber of Commerce officer Pauline Carter Watkins. A motion by Commissioner Christina, seconded by Commissioner Robin, approved the committee’s design recommendation; commissioners also directed staff to return with vendor-produced mock-ups showing final dimensions, spacing and any small styling changes before fabrication.

Staff said project costs were not yet finalized; the commission discussed locating additional signs at freeway off-ramps (Highway 162 and Highway 57 ramps were suggested) if funding permitted, and possibly updating historic-downtown parking signs to match the new theme.