New Signs Give Parking Info Much More Pleasantly

The first results of a new, comprehensive effort to improve campus signs and create an improved system to help people find their way around campus will come next month with the introduction of new parking signs in selected areas.

An accumulation of signs installed over time resulted in confusion for people using campus lots, said Nadesan Permaul, director of Transportation and Emergency Planning.

"One of my first goals when I took this job was to clear up that confusion," he said.

The new signs were developed by Parking and Transportation in conjunction with the Campus Sign Committee, a group of more than a half-dozen campus departments coordinated by the Physical and Environmental Planning Office.

A final report on a proposed new campus sign and "wayfinding" system is due out soon.

For now, though, the new parking signs provide the flavor of the new approach.

The new signs should immediately let parkers know they've arrived on the Berkeley campus, clearly explain who may use the parking lots and at what times, and generally be more welcoming, said Permaul.

Eventually all the signs will be lighted and accompanying information will assist people in reaching their campus destination, he said.

At the same time, he said, the newer, more appealing signs "should enhance the look of campus."

The signs were developed by the sign committee with the assistance of consultants from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Test signs were installed in Dwinelle, West Anna Head, and the University Hall parking areas in September and December.

"We invited a broad range of reviews from campus parking constituents and interested groups, including folks from the City of Berkeley," said Permaul. Focus groups and surveys were both used.

The first phase of new signs will be installed on the south side of campus, at the east and west gate kiosks, and the ASUC parking garage.

The installation is expected to be completed in January and will not disrupt parking in those areas, say parking officials.

Questions about the new parking signs may be directed to Terri McWilliams, manager, Parking and Transportation, 643-9362.


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