HIGH LINE CANAL PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT PLANNING STUDY SECTION NO.7 SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENT AND STANDARDIZATION ANALYSIS

HIGH LINE CANAL PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT PLANNING STUDY SECTION NO.7 SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENT AND STANDARDIZATION ANALYSIS

HIGH LINE CANAL PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT PLANNING STUDY SECTION NO.7 SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENT AND STANDARDIZATION ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION: August 21, 2012 Objective: The High Line Canal signage improvement and standardization analysis was undertaken to evaluate the way-finding information available to trail users along the study corridor, and to identify ways to improve the information presented. This discussion necessarily begins with an exceptional and unique aspect of the High Line Canal, that being its very size. As it meanders along the contours from the southwest boundary to the northeast limit of the Denver metropolitan area, it passes through four counties and seven cities, all of which have individual design standards for trail signage, and all of which are interested in establishing and promoting their individual brands. As a consequence of this multi-jurisdictional fabric, with numerous agencies investing in and responsible for the maintenance of the canal trail through their own communities, we see a segmented and provincial approach to signage along the canal. Contributing to this segmented and provincial approach is the fact that Denver Water has taken a passive approach to signage along the canal, not developing or setting forth any standards that would bring all of the canal signage under the umbrella of one agency. As a consequence, virtually none of the signage along the canal trail recognizes the contribution of Denver Water in making its maintenance access road available to trail users for their pleasure and use. Finally and most significantly, in a glaring omission, none of the signage along the High Line Canal trail is specific to the High Line Canal. None of the signage shows the entire length of the system, and nowhere is its rich and important historical legacy recognized or celebrated. Considerations: All of the municipalities that have placed signage on the canal have developed, adopted and codified standards for signage. All of the signage standards promote the municipal brand of the respective community, in an effort to communicate to constituents the maintenance contribution that each municipality makes to the High Line Canal trail, which is a perfectly legitimate endeavor. We are here to advocate for the canal, and with the understanding that the High Line Canal is different from the High Line Canal trail, we are recommending that in the short term two series of signs be developed and installed specifically for the High Line Canal. 1) The first series of signs for development and installment are trail signs that show the local quadrant of the canal with detailed way-finding information and a system-wide inset showing the entire High Line Canal system, as well as rules and regulations information. 2) The second series of signs for development and installment are interpretative signs that recognize and celebrate the rich and important historical contribution of the High Line Canal to all of the communities along its course. This new High Line Canal-specific signage should be mounted on custom standards that begin to develop a High Line Canal-specific brand as part of a larger canal-specific family of design elements. In the long term, a set of signage guidelines needs to be developed in cooperation with Denver Water and the municipalities responsible for trail maintenance. Supporting Documentation: For a detailed analysis and discussion of the signage improvement and standardization analysis, please see: High Line Canal signage inventory report pages No.1 through No.2. High Line Canal signage inventory plan sheets No.S1 through No.S5. High Line Canal signage improvement report pages No.1 through No.2. High Line Canal sample trail sign. High Line Canal sample interpretative sign. Transit system signage concept sheet. Signage is expensive to design, fabricate and install. In an effort to manage costs, and take advantage of economies of scale, in the design, fabrication/reproduction, and installation of signage, individual signs are produced from standard templates adopted by each municipality. Developing and adopting new signage templates is a considerable undertaking. Conclusions: As we see in the signage inventory report, there is redundant, confusing, conflicting and dated information in the variety of signs along the canal. The existing signage along the canal trail needs to be simplified, streamlined and standardized. However, the municipalities investing public monies in the maintenance of the High Line Canal trail should also be recognized for that effort through the signage placed along the canal trail. 1

Signage Inventory Report Introduction The purpose of the Signage Inventory is to identify the locations and conditions of the map signs, directional signs, and mile markers to evaluate the wayfinding information currently provided for trail users along the trail. In addition, the inventory notes the design and condition of all signage to evaluate the way all information is presented to trail users. Evaluation Criteria Map signage, directional signage and mile markers were mapped along the High Line Canal Trail within the study area. Regulatory signage and identification signage was not mapped or noted on the plans, however, a photographic inventory of examples of all existing signage was prepared. Findings Existing signage along the High Line Canal can generally by categorized in five groups: informational signs, directional signs, identification signs, regulatory signs, and mile markers. Along the study area, there are numerous designs, uses, and locations for each type of sign, creating a cluttered and sometimes confusing set of information to trail users. Often, there are multiple signs installed at the same location, sometimes giving the same information. This adds to the cluttered appearance. Informational Signs Informational signage consists of maps, rules, and user information such as coyote safety information. Along the canal, the various trail management agencies install their own map and rule signs. Therefore, the sign structures vary in appearance and the content of the signs varies along the canal. Almost none of the informational signs include the words High Line Canal Trail and are not focused on the trail itself. For example, signs are labeled South Suburban Trail System or Cherry Hills Village s and Trails General Rules. As a general rule, the information provided on the signs is not focused on the High Line Canal but on the jurisdiction that installed the sign. In general, none of the map signs are particularly helpful for trail users. Many of the signs are printed at too small of a scale to be legible or useful for most users. Most of the map signs only indicate map features within the boundaries of the jurisdiction that installed the sign, with few or no features shown outside those limits. This lack of context on the maps makes it very difficult to understand where the trail will take you, and often gives no indication of how the trail fits into the local street grid, let alone the regional trail system. Rules vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction as well. While some of the rules are similar, the variety of rules make it very difficult for users to know what the rules are at various locations along the trail. The location of informational signs also varies along the canal. They are installed at many street intersections, but not all. They are installed at some major trail intersections, but not all. Directional Signs Directional signs are utilized in several ways along the High Line Canal. Some of the signs are placed at local trail intersections to indicate which direction along the High Line Canal a user should travel to get to a certain destination (typically a street crossing, park, or regional trail). Directional signs are also used to indicate which direction trail users should go to follow the High Line Canal Trail where it varies from the alignment of the canal itself. This occurs at a few street intersections, and at the north end of the study area where the trail leaves the canal south of Hampden Ave. At these locations, the directional information is often incomplete and does not provide directional information for trail users at all locations where they need it. Identification Signs There are no signs along the study area that are in place solely to identify the High Line Canal Trail to either trail users or motorists. Most of the identification signs located along the study area are used to identify parks and other trails that are adjacent to the High Line Canal. Again, these signs vary in appearance significantly based on what jurisdiction the sign is located in. Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs are used at many locations along the study area. Their use and appearance however, is not consistent. Sign panels look different at various locations along the canal, and they are mounted on different types of structures. The cluttered and inconsistent appearance and use of regulatory signs does not deliver a clear and consistent message to trail users, making it more difficult to adhere to the regulations. Mile Markers There are various types of mile markers located along the canal. Most of the mile markers do not clearly indicate where the mileage count begins. a. High Line Canal Preservation Association mile markers: indicate every 1.0 mile; mileage count begins at Waterton Canyon. b. South Suburban s and Recreation District mile markers: indicate every 0.5 miles, mileage count begins at County Line Road and ends at Orchard Road. c. Wood bollard mile markers: these are located at various points along the study area, indicate every 0.5 miles, it is unclear where the mileage count begins, several markers are missing 1

These various mile markers are measuring the same segments of the High Line Canal, but measuring from different locations creating a very confusing series of mile markers. For example, along one 3 mile segment of the High Line Canal, a trail user would pass the following mile markers: 24 (HLCPA), 7.0 (SSPRD), 7.5 (SSPRD), 25 (HLCPA), 8.0 (SSPRD), 8.5 (SSPRD), 26 (HLCPA), 1.5 (Wood bollard), 27 (HLCPA). Conclusion The information compiled in this inventory will be used as a basis for the recommendations for the signage improvements. 2

Types of Signs Used Along the High Line Canal Trail Informational (maps, rules, etc.) Identification (trailheads, parks, trails, etc.) Regulatory Directional Mile Marker Interpretive (not used in study area)

Informational Sign Inventory S2

Directional Sign Inventory S3

Regulatory Sign Inventory S4

Mile Marker and Identification Sign Inventory S5

Signage Improvements Report Introduction The Signage Improvements Report details the recommendations for the signage along the High Line Canal. Recommendations are made regarding the content of the signage, the design of the signage structures, and how signage is used along the canal. These recommendations are schematic and will require more detailed design work prior to implementation. Signage Design Standard The primary conclusion based on the signage inventory is that signage along the High Line Canal is very inconsistent, both in content and appearance. The result is an ineffective signage program that does not clearly convey consistent information to trail users. The solution is to develop a standard for all signage used along the High Line Canal corridor. Goals of the signage standard should include: Providing signage structures that are unique to the High Line Canal Providing a consistent appearance of all signs Providing consistent use of signage Reducing visual clutter Delivering information to users more clearly Delivering a unified message Providing signage that is easily identifiable, simple, and intuitive The signage standard should provide detailed information on the sign plaques as well as the sign structure for each type of sign used along the canal. Example Signage Design Standard The Cherry Creek Working Group recently adopted a signage standard for signage along the Cherry Creek Trail. The design utilizes a standard green color with a compass design for all of the signage structures. The same green color is used to represent the Cherry Creek Trail on the map. The design is unique to the Cherry Creek Trail and when implemented will be a visual cue for users that when they see those structures they are on the Cherry Creek Trail. This example is shown on the Signage Plans. Potential Signage Design Standards for the High Line Canal One option is to adopt a similar design to what was adopted for the Cherry Creek Trail, but with different colors. The intent would be to develop a regional transit style system where each regional trail would be identified by a specific color (i.e. Cherry Creek Trail = green, South Platte River Trail = yellow, etc.). This concept would utilize a similar design to the Cherry Creek Trail example, but use different colors for the sign structures. Example images of this option are shown on the Signage Plans. The intent would be for other regional trails to adopt a similar design in the future. Other options could be developed taking inspiration from the history, use, natural resources, or some other aspect of the canal. Utilizing a similar design and materials that are selected for the other structures such as bridges, shelters, etc. would further integrate the signage into the unique structure design for the High Line Canal corridor. Recommendations for Sign Uses/Locations As a general rule, signage should only be installed where it is absolutely necessary. Opportunities should be explored to combine multiple signs onto single posts or structures in an effort to reduce the visual clutter that numerous signs can create. For example, depending on the design of the structure, mile markers could be combined with posts for regulatory signs. Or a single signs post can hold multiple signs facing different directions. Newer technology could also be utilized on some of the signage. QR codes allow smart phone users to scan a symbol and be directed to a website with additional content. These could be included on map signs to provide a downloadable map, or on interpretive signs to deliver more indepth information. Informational Signs Informational signs (maps, rules, etc) should be installed at locations where large numbers of people are likely to enter the trail. These locations include trailheads, major street crossings, and intersections with other regional trails. They should also be installed at destination rest areas. It is not necessary to install the signs at all local street intersections because most people who access the trail at these locations are local users. Informational signs should be clearly labeled High Line Canal. Identification Signs These signs should be used to identify numerous items for both trail users and motorists. They should be used to identify the locations of trailheads for motorists. They should identify the High Line Canal Trail for motorists and pedestrians where the trail intersects major streets. The circuitous nature of the High Line Canal corridor, along with the many street crossings (often several crossings of the same street) can make it very difficult for trail users to have a good understanding of where they are in the context of the street grid. Therefore signs should be installed to identify the names of all streets that the trail crosses for trail users. Identifications signs should also be used to identify any parks, recreation centers, open spaces, or other public lands encountered along the trail. Directional Signs Directional signs should be used at intersections with other regional trails. They should also be used at any locations where the trail deviates from the alignment of the canal itself. The signs should provide sufficient directional information so that trail users can easily follow the route. 1

Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs should be installed as needed along the trail. The primary use for regulatory signage is likely to be at street intersections to warn motorists and trail users, prohibit unauthorized vehicles on the trail, etc. Interpretive Signs There currently aren t any interpretive signs along the High Line Canal within the study area. However, the rich history and cultural significance of the High Line Canal are topics that many trail users would find of interest. Interpretive signage will also provide users with a deeper appreciation for the canal, the trail, and their use of the corridor. Potential topics for interpretive signage include: the history of the canal, the construction of the canal, how water from the canal was/is used, the recreational legacy of the canal, governmental partnerships, interpretation of some of the historic structures along the canal, information about the flora and fauna that can be found along the corridor, and the ecological significance of the canal corridor. Interpretive signs should be installed at rest areas, trailheads, and other locations where users can stand off of the trail to observe the signage. Mile Markers Due to the high number of walkers and runners who utilize the trail, mile markers should be installed every ½ mile. The mileage count should start at Waterton Canyon and continue downstream. The mileage count should follow the trail rather than the canal. Map Design One of the primary goals of the signage improvements should be to improve the map signs provided along the trail. As described in the Signage Inventory Report, the current signs are generally too small, do not provide sufficient context, and are very difficult to read. along the High Line Canal Trail, location of parks near the trail corridor, locations of restrooms, trailheads, drinking water, along the trail, a simplified street map for context and to show on-street connections. The inset regional map should show the entire extent of the High Line Canal Trail and all of the regional trails that intersect the High Line Canal. It also shows major streets and landmarks such as state parks and downtown Denver. It is important to show trail users the full extent of the trail and the regional connections that can be made. This inset regional map will be the same on all of the signs. Map signs can also provide additional information such as rules and regulations and emergency phone numbers. The logos of Denver Water and all agencies responsible for providing recreation along the canal should be featured on every sign, regardless of the location of the sign. Again, the intent is develop a standard to be used along the entire corridor, and shared by all of the recreation providers. Conclusion/Next Steps The next logical step with these recommendations is to develop and adopt a detailed set of design guidelines for all signage along the High Line Canal Trail. The guidelines should provide specific requirements for the design of sign structures including construction materials, colors, dimensions, etc. They should also detail where signs should be installed, and what the sign panels will look like. A standard set of rules and a standard map design should be adopted as well. Once new signs are ready for installation, it is important to remember to remove old signage that is outdated, duplicated, or no longer pertinent. It is critical for the maps to show the regional context of the trail, but are also detailed enough to show the local connectivity. To provide this level of detail the map signs need to be much larger than the existing map signs, a minimum of 24 x36. The example map includes a main map of the local area and an inset regional map. The High Line Canal Trail is simply too long to adequately show on a single map and still provide sufficient local detail. In an effort to show sufficient detail at the local level, the main maps should show only a portion of the trail. The trail could be broken into 4 segments of approximately 15 to 20 miles of trail. Where map signs are installed, they will show only that segment of trail that the sign is installed. The 4 segments could be: Waterton Canyon to County Line Road, County Line Road to Hampden Ave., Hampden Ave. to I-225, I-225 to Pena Boulevard. The example sign developed as part of this study show the County Line Road to Hampden Ave segment. The maps should emphasize the information that trail users most need. The signs should show: the location of the High Line Canal Trail, the location and name of other regional trails, mileage 2

County Line Road to Hampden Avenue 19 miles Be friendly and courteous. Share the trail. Ride, walk, or run on the right, pass on the left. E. HAMPDEN AVE. Wellshire Golf Course Magna Carta High Line Canal Trail Jackass Hill Stay on the trail. Creating your own trail creates erosion, damages habitat, and causes new trails which cannot be maintained. Bicyclists yield to runners and hikers. All users yield to equestrians. Keep your bike under control and at a safe speed. Downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic. When in doubt, give the other user the right-of-way. Announce or alert when you are planning to pass. Anticipate other trail users around corners and blind spots. Respect wildlife by keeping your distance. Use caution when using headphones. You may not be able to hear people trying to warn you. Respect private property. N March, 2012 Map is not to scale High Line Canal Trail Other regional trails Mileage marker Trail hours: dawn to dusk To report an emergency call 911 To report unsafe conditions or maintenance issues call 303-XXX-XXXX E. MINERAL AVE. S. BROADWAY S. PRINCE ST. TO SOUTH PLATTE RIVER TRAIL W. RANGEVIEW DR. Writer s Vista Lower Ridgewood Southbridge 18m/ 29.0k Carbone W. GEDDES AVE. W. CALEY AVE. S. ELATI ST. CLARKSON ST. E. DRY CREEK RD. W. COUNTY LINE RD. E. ARAPAHOE RD. E. ORCHARD RD. E. BELLEVIEW AVE. BEAR CREEK TRAIL S. UNIVERSTIY BLVD. 76 DRY GULCH TRAIL S. PLATTE RIVER TRAIL S. SANTA FE DR. 25 Downtown Denver BIG DRY CREEK TRAIL E. QUINCY AVE. E. LONG RD. BIG DRY CREEK TRAIL 36 CHERRY CREEK TRAIL 25 70 S. COLORADO BLVD. SAND CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL Cherry Creek Reservoir S. COLORADO BLVD. S. UNIVSERSITY BLVD. S. FRANKLIN ST. S. CLARKSON ST. S. VINE ST. S. STEELE ST. S. FRANKLIN ST. S. WINDEMERE ST. Ashbaugh 19m/ 30.6k S. WINDEMERE ST. LEE GULCH TRAIL Horseshoe 17m/ 27.4k S. ELATI ST. Little s Creek 21m/ 33.8k 20m/ 32.2k S. BROADWAY S. BROADWAY 22m/ 35.4k BIG DRY CREEK TRAIL Brookridge 23m/ 37.0k E. GEDDES AVE. Horsemans Milliken E. COSTILLA AVE. Puma You Are Here LEE GULCH TRAIL S. CLARKSON ST. Clarkson S. CLARKSON ST. 27m/ 43.5k Southglenn Country Club DeKoevend 24m/ 38.6k Cherry Hills Country Club Woody Hollow 26m/ 41.9k Curtis John Meade 25m/ 40.2k 28m/ 45.1k CENTENNIAL REGIONAL LINK TRAIL BIG DRY CREEK TRAIL Cherry Knolls 30m/ 48.2k Glenmoor Country Club E. CALEY AVE. Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 36m/ 57.9k 35m/ 56.3k Three Pond 31m/ 49.9k 29m/ 46.7k Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Little Dry Creek 225 34m/ 54.7k Cherry Creek State EAST TOLLGATE CREEK TRAIL Dahlia Hollow CHERRY CREEK TRAIL Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve LITTLE DRY CREEK TRAIL PENA BLVD. 33m/ 53.1k 32m/ 51.5k E-470 HAPPY CANYON RD. C-470 TRAIL C-470 TRAIL C-470 C-470 Chatfield Reservoir Chatfield State County Line Rd. to Hampden Ave. 19 miles E-470 To Castlewood Canyon State Waterton Canyon to Pena Blvd. 71 miles City of CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

Origins and Legacy Agricultural Vision James Duff, a Colorado resident and businessman developed the idea for constructing a canal to serve land owners on the plains in 1870. His vision was to develop a commercial venture that would convert the arid plains east of Denver into profitable agricultural land. He secured English investors and the canal started construction in the spring of 1880. The canal was constructed by the Northern Colorado Irrigation Company. The Canal Runs Dry High Line Canal Facts Years Built: 1880 to 1883 Cost to Construct: $650,000 As history would show, the High Line Canal would never reach its potential as an irrigation ditch. The owners of the canal were never able to secure more than junior water rights. In fact, 74 other canals in the South Platte River watershed held more senior water rights than the High Line Canal. As a result, the High Line Canal did not provide a reliable source of water, and sometimes ran dry. While the agricultural development that was meant to be fed by the High Line Canal never materialized, water from the canal did encourage the growth of Denver and its suburbs. Why High Line? The High Line Canal is named for the engineering principle that allows the canal to transport water 71 miles from Waterton Canyon to NE Denver entirely by gravity flow thus eliminating the need for pumps. Using the high line principle, the canal follows the contour of the land to minimize the drop in elevation along it course. This results in the curvilinear course of the canal. Recreational Legacy Over the years, water flowing through the High Line Canal has created its own ecosystem. Towering cottonwoods and willow trees along with an understory of shrubs and grasses now grow where they could not without the canal. Hundreds of species of birds, and dozens of species of mammals and lizards live along the long, narrow ecosystem. A ditch rider s maintenance road follows along the canal for its entire length. For years, this road was closed to the public. Starting in 1970, Denver Water worked with local municipalities to open the ditch rider s road as a public trail. Today, nearly 60 miles of that road have been improved for use as a recreation trail. While Duff s original vision for the canal was a failure, he unknowingly left us an important legacy a wonderful serpentine trail and open space corridor through our community. Original Length: 71 miles Starting Elevation: 5,542 Ending Elevation: 5,410 Average Drop in Elevation per Mile: 2 Total Drop in Elevation along Canal: 132 Average Width: 30 Year Denver Water began managing the canal: 1924 Year canal corridor was opened to the public for trail use: 1970

Transit System Concept Directional Signs Informational Signs SIGNAGE RECOMMENDATIONS Mile Marker Mile Marker with Regulatory Sign S7