PORT TOWNSEND — A recently received federal $200,000 grant, combined with a $412,566 match from the city of Port Townsend, is intended to help both residents and visitors find their way around town.
The Wayfinding Project will fund signs, but that’s only the beginning, according to a statement issued Friday.
The project also will include deployment of information technologies that tap into the capabilities of smart phones, such as Quick Response — or QR — Codes, Global Positioning Systems, downloadable mapping and accessing such applications as TripAdvisor and Yelp, said Christina Pivarnik, Port Townsend’s marketing director, in the statement.
“Mindful that Port Townsend’s visitor demographic is very broad — from retirees to families to young adults — approaches need to reflect a balance between traditional signage and new technologies,” she said.
The city is expected to select a consulting team to work on this project in the early fall. Completion of work is anticipated by April 2012, Pivarnik said.
More information, including public outreach through community open houses, will be forthcoming as the project develops, she said.
The federal money is from the Department of Interior’s National Park Service through a Preserve America grant program.
“This grant represents part of our larger economic strategy for the city,” City Manager David Timmons said in the statement.
“Wayfinding isn’t only about tourism, but it’s also about finding local businesses and what they have to offer,” he added.
The primary purpose of the project is to help residents and visitors alike seamlessly navigate their way around and through Port Townsend by increasing the “legibility” of the environment, Pivarnik said.
Another goal is to provide location information that also teaches city history and highlights unique businesses and services in Port Townsend, she added.
Signage that is erected using kiosks, markers or road signs will include access to new technology.
For example, a QR Code could be printed on the sign, allowing the “techies” to quickly access additional information, Pivarnik said.
For more information, phone Timmons at 360-379-5043 or e-mail him at dtimmons@cityofpt.us.
