Fort Worth and its New Wayfinding System

[Annette Lealoni Chavez]

The city of Fort Worth is planning to incorporate a wayfinding system so people can find their way around the city. There will be 125 signs that will be placed around city sidewalks, near museums, the stockyards, and other public buildings. Nearly $1 million will be spent on this system. It will include the historic stockyards, the cultural district, and downtown. Wayfinding became popular during the 1980’s when downtowns became the central brains of cities. Fort Worth had definitely been growing in the past couple of years, and has completely renovated its downtown.

Fort Worth’s top visitor areas getting new wayfinding system

[Chase Lalouette]

I think that posted signs would increase the ease with which visitors to Fort Worth find their way around town, therefore increasing the time they have to spend money in shops and increasing the pleasantness of their visit. When travelers are confused and frustrated, they are less likely to stay longer, return, or recommend the vacation area to a friend.

When the ease of getting from one place to another is increased, they are more likely to be in a good mood when they arrive at their destination (example: Stockyards) and more likely to spend more money because of their overall pleasant mood. This benefits Fort Worth economically in the short run. Then when the visitor returns home, they will have more souvenirs to show friends and wonderful memories to share, they are more likely to recommend Fort Worth as a travel destination and this benefits the city in the long run. Therefore the initial cost will surely be made up in the increase in dollars spent in Fort Worth.

If the map system is similar to those found in amusement parks, or malls, it will also benefit city residents or Dallasites on one-day-get-aways. The map system would then be useful regardless of where you were in the city, you just park and find a map sign, then start your adventure from there. The city could also gain revenue if they allowed businesses to advertise on the reverse side of the maps. For instance, you see a sign that advertises “Big Bob’s Burgers” then on the reverse there is a map that shows you where it is – and voila! You eat out in Fort Worth when you were planning on heading home for Ramen. Also, weekend visitors will find convenience in the You Are Here star, just in case they should ever become lost.

Overall, the Find Your Way map system is a wonderful investment for the city and will pay for itself in no time. I can’t wait to try it out once they have the signs up.

[Paulette Cubero-Sierra]

I think that investing in signs and promoting the city it is a really good idea. I think that when a city starts growing the budget of the city and everything that increase in the economic way has to change. In terms of money I don't know if 1 million is a lot or not but by the size of Ft Worth I believe is a good investment, specially if it's growing.