Project Profile: Hall County Trailhead & Park Signage
PROJECT OVERVIEW
As part of an ongoing county-wide initiative to enhance civic spaces, Miller EG Design collaborated with Hall County to develop a suite of trailhead and park signage for its extensive network of recreational areas. This phase represents an evolution in the signage program—transitioning from purely functional governmental signage to community-centered wayfinding experiences that emphasize outdoor recreation, placemaking, and accessibility.
Design Intent & Strategy
The signage developed for Hall County’s trailheads blends recreational utility with experiential graphic design, encouraging public engagement with natural assets while ensuring intuitive navigation for all visitors.
Key Strategic Objectives:
- Reinforce Hall County’s investment in public parks and healthy living.
- Support wayfinding across a diverse range of hiking and walking trails.
- Integrate vibrant environmental graphics and cartographic elements to promote exploration.
- Create photo-worthy landmarks that double as orientation aids.
Signage Types & Visual Features
- Trailhead Map Panels
- Full-color printed maps on weather-resistant substrates.
- Keyed with icons for landmarks, trail distances, elevation shifts, and rest areas.
- Clear “You Are Here” markers for intuitive orientation.
- Interpretive Panels & Welcome Signs
- Highlight the history, ecology, and trail etiquette.
- Emphasize public stewardship of natural spaces.
- Directional Blade Signs
- Guide hikers and cyclists to trail loops and connector paths.
- Bold typography and color schemes optimized for both visibility and aesthetics.
- Brand-Integrated Park Monument Signs
- Feature Hall County’s visual identity.
- Designed to harmonize with the natural materials found on site (e.g., stone, timber, metal).
Design Philosophy: Wayfinding through Activity
This project exemplifies MEGD’s commitment to user-centered wayfinding. As noted in the internal planning discussion:
“It connects activity with wayfinding and not getting lost—and it’s a showcase of our new sign.”
The signage is not just informational; it is part of the outdoor experience. The team designed these signs to support community health, encourage exploration, and reduce anxiety often associated with unfamiliar terrain.
By anchoring the signage content around popular outdoor activities—like hiking, dog walking, or casual park visits—the signs become approachable, relevant, and essential to the user journey.
Community Impact
- Supports Hall County’s goal of becoming a more walkable, outdoor-friendly region.
- Adds structure to public parks without detracting from natural aesthetics.
- Provides consistent, branded signage across various locations for a unified civic identity.
- Serves as a platform for social engagement, with potential for integration into tourism and local promotions.
Design & Fabrication Notes
- Engineered for durability in outdoor conditions.
- Materials used include powder-coated aluminum, printed laminate panels, and routed HDU or acrylic.
- Custom fabrication designed to withstand UV exposure and seasonal weather cycles.
Marketing Opportunities
MEGD sees this project as a prime candidate for:
- Video content, showing trail exploration and the signage in use.
- Mini social media campaigns centered on activities like hiking or park exploration (e.g., “Lost on a trail? Not anymore.”).
- A case study for municipal-level wayfinding strategies that go beyond infrastructure and tap into lifestyle branding.
In Progress
More signs are expected to be installed across additional parks and greenways as part of the 2025 expansion. MEGD continues to work with Hall County on interior and civic signage projects as well.
