Three students from the University of Illinois-Chicago presented a Wayfinding Plan to Mayor Joseph A. Woods and the trustees at Park Forest's Village Hall during Monday night's board meeting.
The plan aims to help people navigate Park Forest and find various businesses and points of interest while walking, biking, and driving.
Assistant Director of Economic Planning and Development Andrew Brown said the partnership with the college students and the Village made sense.
"Since the DownTown Master Plan was adopted last year, implementing a DownTown Master Plan recommendation for a project seemed like a great, real-life learning experience for the students and an opportunity for the Village to keep moving forward with DownTown and Village-wide initiatives," said Brown.
Brown said five students from UIC worked with the Village since January 2024. They completed a site visit throughout the Village to start their project and focused on the signage and wayfinding throughout Park Forest.
Three of the students, Paris Ward, Abby Meachum, and Mateo Baker, expressed that part of their research included sending a survey to residents, stakeholders, business owners, property owners, and visitors. After compiling their findings, they informed the Village of recommended solutions that could help with Park Forest's wayfinding initiatives.
"Over 34% of people who took the survey said they do use the signage," Meachum said. "So, that showed us there is a need for it. Almost 50% of the participants said the current signage is a 3 out of 5."
The group suggested the Village use more directional signs and banners to help pedestrians and cyclists navigate Park Forest. Additionally, gateway signage—similar to the digital sign on the corner of Orchard Drive and Lincoln Highway—is suitable for motorists to know where things are.
Woods thanked the students for their presentation and said Park Forest would take a serious look at their recommendations.
"The subject matter is very important to each and every one of us on this board," Woods said. "So much of what you have gleaned, we are looking forward to considering - if not adhering to."