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Commissioners outline first four interpretive sign locations for Railroad Heritage Trail
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Summary
An ad hoc committee reported council approval and initial funding for four interpretive signs for the Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail; staff will coordinate encroachment permits, sponsorship logistics and museum‑supplied layouts before installation.
The Historic Preservation Commission received an ad hoc report on March 12 on the Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail interpretive signage project and described next steps for installation, funding and coordination with public works.
Commissioner Craig Walker reported that city council approved the project and a preliminary budget, and that he and an ad hoc partner walked prospective locations with the public works director. The initial four sign sites are city‑owned locations near Libby Park (two signs behind Libby Park/near the pathway to the jail), the former depot location, and Rotary Park. Walker said the museum will develop layouts for the panel text and art.
Public works will handle encroachment permits and installation logistics for signs on city property, staff said. Several potential sponsors have committed funds and the commission discussed options for sponsorship (city to receive donations and manage contracts so donors do not control plaque text). The ad hoc commissioners indicated they will return with final layouts and cost estimates for HPC review and staff ordering.
Why it matters: The signs are intended to highlight local railroad history, add interpretive value along public routes and attract visitor interest without altering historic features.
Next steps: Museum to produce sign layouts; staff to coordinate encroachment permits and sponsorship contracts; commission to approve final layouts before production and installation.
