West Melbourne council tables park‑signage overhaul after lengthy debate on size, cost and consistency

City staff presented a multi‑park signage plan on March 17 that proposed new monument and medium‑sized entry signs and internal wayfinding signs for numerous West Melbourne parks. Erin Murphy, the staff presenter, walked council through proposed locations, materials, lighting and pricing for different sign types and noted that adding amenity symbols to some large signs would add roughly $7,000 per sign in some cases.

Councilmembers debated several tradeoffs: keeping sign styles uniform across parks versus installing larger, symbol‑rich signs at premier parks; whether medium signs plus distinct wayfinding elements could be a more cost‑effective, consistent solution; and accessibility questions such as adding map boards or braille where appropriate. Several members suggested adding a wayfinding map near the park entrance so visitors could orient themselves once they parked.

Councilmember Frampus and others urged consistent treatment across parks and questioned the incremental cost of symbols. Councilmember Adams urged fiscal restraint and suggested staff retain the medium‑sized sign approach if additional wayfinding elements are added. Frampus summarized a frequently expressed preference to prioritize medium signs citywide, while leaving room to place larger signs only where clearly warranted.

After extended discussion that included suggestions to relocate or delay specific signs (for example, at the Flanagan Road entrance to the newly designated parkland), Councilmember Adams moved to table the signage item until the next meeting to allow staff time to present a more consistent design approach; the motion was seconded and carried 7–0.

Next steps: staff will incorporate council feedback and return with revised designs and cost estimates that reconcile consistency, accessibility and budget concerns.