GREAT FALLS — The Great Falls Wayfinding Plan is now complete and available for community members to see online.
Joan Redeen, community director for the Great Falls Business Improvement District, said in a news release on Friday that the plan includes maps, sign designs, and a complete project narrative, and is designed to serve as the first step for the community to implement a comprehensive wayfinding program in Great Falls.
Redeen said that a comprehensive wayfinding program is essential to connect pedestrians and vehicles with Downtown Great Falls and the surrounding cultural, natural, and recreational amenities.
By providing prominent, appealing signage, many who would otherwise simply travel through Great Falls or those who are not familiar with the area, will learn about the services, destinations and points of interest that are available. The wayfinding plan will help residents and visitors easily navigate the city and the surrounding area and readily find attractions and available services such as schools, healthcare facilities, museums & exhibits, public parking, public restrooms, parks, trails, galleries, library, city and county offices, police department, etc.
Click here to see the plan on the Great Falls Business Improvement District’s website.
"This is going to help boost our self-esteem because we have so many incredible asetts to offer. I think the community's going to have their eyes opened as to all of the numerous assets,” Redeen said in October. “Especially being the military outlet for the state with Malstrom (Air Force Base), we want to be sure that all of the folks down there know their way around town.”
The plan cost just under $70,000. Implementation of the plan is expected to cost at least $80,000. Funding for the program came from a grant from the MT Department of Commerce’s Main Street Program, the Downtown Tax Increment Financing District, the Great Falls Business Improvement District, Visit Great Falls, the Downtown Development Partnership, Great Falls Development Authority, the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Great Falls Association. The BID contracted with Cushing Terrell in the creation of the plan. The BID is now pursuing grant funds to implement the plan in 2021.
