Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Amy Bell of Groundwork Studio explains the types of wayfinding signs that might be considered by Tucumcari.
Tucumcari MainStreet last week hosted its first hearing on a wayfinding plan to eventually develop better signs for travelers in Tucumcari.
About 20 people attended the hearing at City Hall. Representatives from Groundwork Studio in Albuquerque and Leighton Moon of Alamogordo, who are contractors for New Mexico MainStreet, directed the session on March 18. Leighton Moon developed the city's logo several years ago.
Amy Bell of Groundworks said they helped develop other way finding plans in Santa Rosa, Raton, Lovington, Taos, Truth or Consequences, Corrales and Ruidoso.
Bell said such signs must be easy to read and can include public art, can improve navigation, encourage movement to certain areas, strengthen a town's identity and brand, spur the local economy and enhance the experience of place.
The wayfinding plan will include performing an inventory of existing signs. The plan also might include maps and pavement markings to denote a certain route, including a possible neon-sign trail in Tucumcari.
One resident pointed out that a hospital sign on U.S. 54 on the city's northeast side doesn't direct motorists to that facility in a clear way.
Cam Wilde of Leighton Moon said the signs should have a consistency and confirmation, including a systematic color. He said the human brain would quickly ascertain the pattern of such signs and make it easier for a traveler to see and comprehend them.
The second wayfinding meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. June 17 at City Hall, where residents can review preliminary sign designs for the city.
Residents were directed late in the meeting on what aspects best define Tucumcari. The city's history, culture and Route 66 neon signs were cited repeatedly.
When asked what were the most difficult places to find in Tucumcari, most mentioned the New Mexico Route 66 Museum, Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, Five Mile Park and Main Street.
Bell said they hoped to have the first phase of the way finding plan installed by early 2026, which is the centennial year of Route 66. She said Taos' first wayfinding stage took about 18 months to implement.
The city and Tucumcari MainStreet also have an online survey for residents at bit.ly/tucumcariwayfindingsurvey. Bell said about 30 residents had taken the survey so far, and they wanted more.
