James Hunter Park Wayfinding
Overview
James Hunter Park is a unique urban space that incorporates creative placemaking and environmental components into its design and function. The park reflects Arlington’s urban ecology and innovatively serves Arlington’s canine population and the larger community while respecting the fabric of the surrounding neighborhood.
Arlington Public Art commissioned Thoughtbarn – a Texas-based design studio that champions artful utility through urban strategies and public installations – to create a playful wayfinding system for the park. These colorful signs provide information about the park’s unique environmental features and encourage learning experiences throughout the space. Clustered in various shapes, sizes, and colors, they are reminiscent of wildflowers sprouting up across the park.
Sustainable park components featured on the signs include renewable energy sources such as solar electric modules and a stormwater management system that harvests and reuses rainwater for irrigation. Arlington County collaborated with Alfred State College to integrate solar power within the park and collect data to be used for evaluation of and increased public awareness concerning the demonstrated technologies and how they serve the needs of landscape maintenance systems, public parks, and community needs.
Learn more about Thoughtbarn. Photo by Anice Hoachlander.