Wayfinding, History, and Place
Project7 has been fortunate to collaborate with Des Moines Parks and Recreation on a wide range of signage projects that do more than point the way — they invite people into stories, neighborhoods, and history of the parks themselves.
Over the years, we’ve helped shape how people move through and connect with these shared spaces. From trail systems to historic parks, every sign we create is designed to inform and support the parks’ goals.
A New Chapter for Riverview Park
Once a beloved amusement park, now a vibrant performance space and neighborhood destination — Riverview Park is one of our largest park signage projects to date. We built a system of interpretive and directional signage that honors the park’s past while supporting its bright new future.
Clear Paths, Connected Communities
For the trail system, we redesigned the emergency trail markers to improve navigation and enhance safety across miles of connected trails. Clear trail markers and branding help users stay informed and oriented — whether they’re commuting, training, or out for a weekend walk. Read more in-depth about this project on another blog here.
Signage That Tells a Story
Interpretive signage does more than inform — it helps define the identify of each space. From historical landmarks to neighborhood parks and key trail connections, every location in Des Moines has a unique story to tell. Good signage helps visitors connect with those stories in a meaningful way, adding context, sparking curiosity, and making the experience a little more memorable (and a lot more fun).
We’re proud to help bring these stories to life through thoughtful, lasting design. Recent projects include interpretive and donor signage for The Green Bridge, trail hub signs for Carl Voss and Gay Lea Wilson, and story-driven signage at Sam Cohen Park, Drake Park, Union Park (including the Rocket Slide), Sayers Park, and the newly completed Kathryn Krieg Park. And the list continues to grow.
From playful to educational, every park sign is an opportunity to shape the experience. We’re proud to help Des Moines Parks and Recreation bring clarity, context, and creativity to the spaces we all share.