The Parks and Recreation team is raising the profile on this delightful park. It’s the home of the ever-fun Coconino County Fair and a roster of entertaining summer concerts at the Pepsi Amphitheater. With strong public input, a Master Plan was developed calling for improvements that make the park even more enjoyable and provide an uptick to the economy. New amenities are planned and many of the park’s existing features will be upgraded. Thinking Caps Design was chosen to craft new identity, interpretive and wayfinding systems that demonstrate the county’s natural pride for this showcase park.

Like all good projects, this one succeeds based on teamwork. The Parks and Recreation professionals worked side-by-side with Thinking Caps Design, providing input and unfolding their vision. The project would need to be resourceful and sustainable while keeping to a modest budget. Thinking Caps Design was all in. We crafted an eye-catching logo for the park, and for various activity zones such as picnic ramadas or the elevated obstacle course tucked into the pines. Our color palette was inspired by the park’s military history. A quad of preserved Fort Tuthill infantry buildings is listed on the National Historic Register. Drawing from the color bars used as insignia on military uniforms to honor service, the palette includes an earthy brown, deep red, dark green and warm gold.

The color bar and palette unify the sign program, providing a consistent theme that also positions the cultural heritage of the park at the core of its identity. The sign hierarchy is four levels deep – requiring designs for identity, directional, regulatory and informational, and temporary information presentation. When complete, design development documents are bundled so fabrication work on the signs can begin.

Improving access for complex sites is just one of the ways Thinking Caps Design adds value to any development. The Fort Tuthill identity components infuse the park’s established brand with new vigor. The interpretive signage provides context and meaning to the park, linking the present love of outdoor places with a heritage of service and honor to the community. Creating an enhanced experience for visitors is what Thinking Caps Design brings to your team.