Santa Clara River Trail Final Master Plan - Development Services ...

Chapter 6: Design Guidelines, Maintenance Schedules and Best Practices
Figure 23. Inlaid bronze medallion.
Figure 24.
Mojave Riverwalk mile markings stamped in concrete with
cast iron trail medallion inset.
Directional Signs
Directional signs are used on the trail and provide orientation to the trail user and emphasize trail
continuity. At a minimum, street names should be called out at all trail intersections with roadways.
Directional signage should identify key destinations along the trail route and include schools, parks,
municipal centres, trails, and other points of interest.
Wayfinding Signs
Wayfinding signs are used in nearby neighbourhoods and roadways to
provide guidance to the community trying to access the trail. At a
minimum, wayfinding signs should be placed ¼ - ½ mile from nearest
trail access points. Wayfinding signs should identify access points by
landmark or nearest intersection.
Trail Etiquette Signs
Establishing goals and policies sets a common framework for
understanding trail rules and regulations. Rights and responsibilities of
trail usage should be stated at gateways. Once rules and regulations are
established, the trail managing agency has a means of enforcement.
Local ordinances may be adopted to help enforce trail policies. Penalties
such as fines or community service may be imposed in response to noncompliance.
Interpretive Signs
Figure 25. Etiquette sign from
the Fanno Creek Trail.
Interpretive signage provides enrichment to the trail user experience, focuses attention on the unique
attributes of the local community, and provides educational opportunities. Educating trail users can help
foster trail stewardship by providing a venue to explain the “why” behind some trail rules. For example,
providing information about the fragile riparian habitat and species it supports helps trail users
understand why they should stay on the trail and out of the riverbed.
Interpretive signs should only be located at key locations near gateway entrances and high use areas. The
Santa Clara River corridor is ripe with opportunities for ecological, cultural and historical interpretation.
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