State of the City: Signs that will guide you

from Ocala Magazine September 2021

Marion’s Sunshine State Scholars

Leading the way

How wayfinding signage is shaping the look of the City

BY ASHLEY DOBBS

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Think back to a time and place when you visited a destination. How did you know that you had arrived? Chances are you followed a sign, road marker or passed by a welcome sign along your route. These signs are known as “wayfinding signage,” and it’s a way of communicating to the public that this is the path to your destination, or to signify that you have arrived.

Ranging in size from small to largescale, unlit to flashing neon, simplistic to over-the-top, wayfinding signage ranges in a variety of shapes and sizes and in many locations, a photo-op (think about the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign). For many communities, it’s their calling card to let citizens and visitors know “hello and welcome.”

Through the years, people have passed through Ocala and viewed the rolling green pastures from the window of a speeding car on I-75. But for those who ventured into the downtown area, you may have seen new signs popping up around the community. These entry point signs, urging people to head downtown, are not only an extension of the warm welcome we are known for within the city, but also help lead the way for guests to enjoy the variety of amenities that are part of our downtown.

As part of the Vision 2035 plan set forth by the Ocala City Council, creating a sense of community and strong branding were important factors when evaluating the new signage. The beginning stages of the process began in 2012 with community input into the creation of an Ocala logo. Having a strong brand and focal point is the foundation for how guests perceive your city, even to unsuspecting visitors who may not be fully aware of branding concepts. By 2014, the concept to creation had come full circle and phase one of the sign implementation began with new signs making their appearance around the downtown area. The second phase of the project concluded around 2018 and included installed gateway, neighborhood and park signs in areas such as Tuscawilla, Jervey Gantt and Clyatt parks, just to name a few.

Currently the city has installed approximately 50 wayfinding signs throughout the city limits. Recently added gateway signage provides bookends the entry points for guests coming in from the Ocala National Forest or those exiting I-75 and traveling east on State Road 40, a major thoroughfare leading in and out of the city. With brick-front bases and iron work lettering, the signs truly capture the city’s brand and make a statement that you have arrived within the City of Ocala.

Future phases will cover additional gateways, neighborhoods and road signs. The inclusion of signage on the downtown parking garage is also being evaluated. Although timelines for the future projects have not been slated, we will continue to help lead the way for those guests visiting the area. We hope that the welcome signs will become an extension of the friendly atmosphere that our community is known for in Marion County.