Edmond Life and Leisure - September 23, 2021 Edmond’s path to better wayfinding

Edmond’s path to better wayfinding

Part of the signage coming into Edmond on the Broadway Extension.

By Jennifer Seaton

Have you struggled to give a newcomer or visitor directions? Describing how to find the Edmond Public Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park or the entrance to Edmond Center Court can be tricky. A current goal in Edmond City Council's strategic plan is "Improved/enhanced coordination of brand identification, place marking and tourism wayfinding." A collaborative effort of nine City of Edmond departments and 25 community stakeholders (made up attractions, education, athletic facilities and leadership organizations) are working together to meet this strategic goal.

After meeting internally to identify Edmond’s wayfinding challenges and opportunities, City Council approved the decision to partner with a national firm named MERJE. They have experience with more than 100 other cities to more effectively guide visitors and residents to key locations. To accomplish this, MERJE is leading a wayfinding analysis, conducting stakeholder interviews, developing a schematic design, digital wayfinding strategy report, orientation maps, gateway identification, sign location plan, budget plan and project phasing plan.

John Bosio, principal of MERJE Environments and Experiences, said “Our goal is to develop a functional wayfinding system that will market Edmond's assets and present a friendly image.” Based in West Chester, Pa., MERJE follows a holistic design approach that “merges” graphic design with the built environment, helping cities, universities, healthcare organizations, corporations, retail establishments,

hospitality facilities, libraries, and schools enhance their brand and achieve their mission. Their work commonly includes five basic elements: branding and identity, wayfinding and signage, architectural and visual enhancements, exhibit and interpretive design, and print materials.

Last month, MERJE, Visit Edmond and the City of Edmond coordinated meetings with the following stakeholders to discuss the Wayfinding process and gain feedback:

ATTRACTIONS AND EDUCATION

Gabby Trad, Edmond Conference Center

Amy Stephens, Edmond History Historical Society & Museum

Craig Dishman, Arcadia Lake and City parks

Cinda Covel, Edmond Visual Arts Council

Randal Shadid, Public Art

Kelly Vaughn, University of Central Oklahoma

Ken Koch, Francis Tuttle Technology Center

Angela Grunewald, Edmond Public High Schools

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Bryan Heathcock, Edmond Aquatic Center at Mitch Park

David Minihan, Edmond Center Court

Edmond High Schools, Mike Nunley

Edmond 66 Park/Route 66, Jennifer Lemon

Service Blake Soccer Complex, James Soesbee

Golf (Oak Tree/Golf Club of Edmond/Kickingbird), Michael Henderson

Baseball/Edmond All Sports Association, Terri Jungles

LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

Stephanie Carel, Downtown Edmond Business Association

Stacie Peterson, Edmond Historic Preservation Trust

Rick Howland, Oklahoma Department Of Transportation

Erik Brandt, Oklahoma County Planning

Ron Cardwell, District 3 engineer

Sherry Jordan, Edmond Chamber of Commerce

Dena Jones, Hotels and Tourism Board President

Jordan Evans, Association of Central Oklahoma Governments

Darrell Davis, Edmond Mayor

Terry Lanham, Visit Edmond

At this early stage, your opinion is needed about directing people throughout our community. A 12- question survey asks questions like, “Which attraction should a person visit in Edmond” and “What are some of Edmond’s hidden gems?” The survey takes approximately eight minutes to complete. Please respond by Friday, October 1, at https://edmondok.com/wayfinding.

The feedback and data received will be used to help inform and shape the new plan that is expected to be completed in the coming months. Important phases of this process will be obtaining funding, long-term maintenance and brand alignment.

(Jennifer Seaton is tourist director for the city of Edmond.)