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Council previews Park Central gateway and wayfinding sign plan; staff to seek bids for phased install
Summary
Staff showed mock-ups for LED gateway signs, business wayfinding panels and points-of-interest signs aimed at directing visitors to downtown Park Central and the new VRE garage. Council asked staff to prioritize sight-lines, anti-graffiti finishes and coordination with VRE in a phased procurement.
On Oct. 21 transportation program manager Steve Hall presented a city gateway and wayfinding signage plan intended to bring more visitors into downtown Park Central and to the new VRE Park Central garage. The plan includes LED gateway signs on Route 28 (one in each direction or a median-mounted alternative), static Park Central welcome signs, business-direction panels that can display logos and green points-of-interest signs for municipal destinations and parking.
Hall said SignGrafx prepared mock-ups and staff conducted field visits and utility checks to identify potential locations. The plan calls for about 25–30 signs overall and envisions a phased procurement: prioritize LED gateway signs and critical business-wayfinding panels first, then a second phase for broader points-of-interest and park signage as budget allows.
Council members raised engineering and operational issues: sight-line clearance for left turns near Manassas Drive, the risk of vandalism and tagging on pedestrian-level signs, electrical and utility conflicts in specific locations, sign height and placement, and opportunities to coordinate installations or cost-sharing with VRE for the downtown garage. Staff said bids will be solicited via an IFB, that the project will be phased based on bid results and budget, and that the city will include anti-graffiti/cleanable finishes in specifications if supported by procurement prices.
Councilmember Seiberling and others encouraged including promotional content for downtown events (e.g., 'Fun Fridays') on LED-capable signs and asked staff to pursue a parking sign network. Hall said staff would return for contract authorization after bids are evaluated.
