Wayfinding

BY b2btrailAugust 5, 2024

To improve the usability of trails for residents and visitors, WCPARC and HWPI are developing a series of wayfinding signs and structures to be installed across the Border to Border Trail system. Installations began in 2024 and continue over the next couple of trail seasons, with the goal of a fully marked trail system by 2030!

Features will include:

  • Primary orientation kiosks will be installed at large parking access points with supporting trail amenities where people will be encouraged to park as primary access points. These structures will help to encourage sitting/resting, viewing, and further exploring before heading out on the trail. Content that will go on the kiosks will include trail maps, emergency contact information and trail etiquette guides.
  • Secondary nodes – Map stations placed at highly visible spots at small parking access points, local access points, and intersecting trails.
  • Directional signage will include a linear trail map with mile markers and miles to the next major destination point with amenity notes. 
  • Blazes will be used frequently on free-standing posts or attached to an existing post. 
  • Pavement markings will be used on the ground frequently where there is a turn or a choice to be made that could potentially cause users to leave the trail.

Installation of the wayfinding system will begin on the west side of Washtenaw County and on newer segments of the B2B Trail where there are few to no signs. The next priority is to replace the existing signs throughout the system to maintain consistency and updated accuracy. As new segments get constructed, now that the new wayfinding system is developed, signs will be part of the initial trail construction. Foundations for all kiosks are poured, with some of the first installed at the Tetens Trailhead, Timbertown, and Barton Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. Other locations include Freer Rd, Dexter-Huron Metropark, Lowertown, Gallup Park, and Frog Island in Ypsilanti. 

B2B Trail wayfinding kiosk installed at Tetens Trailhead near Lyndon Town Hall in Chelsea, MI.
B2B Trail wayfinding kiosk installed at Tetens Trailhead near Lyndon Town Hall in Chelsea, MI.
Example of maps and design for the B2B Trail wayfinding kiosks
Example of maps and design for the B2B Trail wayfinding kiosks
Kiosk installed at the Barton Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel during the official public opening event held November 2025 in Ann Arbor, MI.
Kiosk installed at the Barton Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel during the official public opening event held November 2025 in Ann Arbor, MI.


Contact Information

Questions concerning the project should be directed to:
-Primary Contact: Roy Townsend, Project Manager, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation,
phone: (734)-845-1903
email: townsendr@washtenaw.org
-Peter Sanderson, Project Manager, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation,
email: sandersonp@washtenaw.org

Follow the project at B2BTrail.org for construction progress updates.

734-971-6337 | parks@washtenaw.org | washtenaw.org/parks