City unveils Park Central gateway and wayfinding sign plan, will seek bids next

The city presented a wayfinding and gateway signage plan aimed at directing drivers to Park Central and downtown and highlighting city points of interest.

Steve Hall, transportation program manager, said the plan translates recommendations from the Complete Streets assessment into signage types: gateway/‘welcome to Manassas Park’ signs, business directional panels with reserved logo spaces, green points‑of‑interest signs for city assets and parking signage. SignGrafx produced mock‑ups that incorporate the city's branding. Hall said the team identified approximately 25–30 sign locations, with preliminary utility conflict checks and the possibility some locations will be reduced after bids.

Hall said staff is prioritizing gateway signage, particularly potential LED gateway signs on Route 28, and will prepare an Invitation for Bids (IFB) to identify a low bidder and phase work by budget availability. He noted all signs will meet MUTCD standards and that the city will return to the governing body seeking contract authorization once bids are evaluated.

Council members asked about line‑of‑sight safety, mounting height, vandalism/anti‑tagging finishes, collaboration with the VRE on signage for the new garage, and whether a Park Central LED sign could be used for downtown promotions. Hall said sign materials, mounting height and anti‑tagging finishes will be specified in the IFB and that staff would coordinate with VRE and potential business partners.

Staff's next steps are to issue the IFB, evaluate bids, prioritize phases by cost and budget, and return with a contract authorization request when the low bidder is identified.