Maintenance of Roadsigns:
Roadsigns can be of four separate and functional types:
directional signs point the way of the travel path; informational
signs tell the distance to places ahead; regulatory signs tell where
to stop, yield, or slow down and the speed limit; interpretive signs
tell of the features along the way to help motorists enjoy the experience
of the landscape. More time is spent defending the roadsides
against additional signs than in designing signs. You will be asked
to approve all sorts of regulatory signs: "no parking, no standing,
no fishing, don't walk, don't run, don't picnic,..." All negative
messages emanating from concerns for law enforcement. Defend the
visitors! They own the place.
Defend also the existing sign themes when you are pressured to
adopt the current trends. We've been pressured to adopt the brown
metal reflective signboards and to remove the long established theme
of routed letters on wood. I believe that Yellowstone, the world's
first National Park, should keep its traditional themes in signs,
architecture, and roadside interpretation.
Instruct signshop people to avoid varnishes mixed in stains
and signboard-paints. The varnish reflects light and thereby blurs
the reflective forms of the text. See, too, that mud and dust are
cleaned from the beaded letters for brightness at night. The signs
are on the roadsides communicating their messages 24 hours a day.
Treat them well!
