City of Fountain Wayfinding Plan

Michael Baker led the planning and design of a comprehensive wayfinding program for the City of Fountain, focused on strengthening community identity while supporting economic revitalization and outdoor connectivity. The effort balanced the City’s historic character with forward-looking development goals, creating a cohesive system that guides residents and visitors throughout key destinations.

Our team developed a clear and scalable signage hierarchy paired with integrated storytelling elements that reflect Fountain’s unique sense of place. The plan prioritized accessibility, incorporating ADA-compliant strategies to ensure an inclusive user experience across all sign types and locations.

Collaboration was central to the project’s success. We worked closely with City staff, elected officials and a range of local partners—including the regional open space and trail authority—to align priorities across jurisdictions. This coordination extended beyond municipal boundaries, addressing wayfinding needs within overlapping El Paso County Parks properties.

The result is a comprehensive, implementation-ready wayfinding master plan, complete with phased cost estimates and design guidance for citywide, park and trail signage—positioning Fountain to enhance navigation, support tourism and strengthen connections to its growing network of public spaces.

This plan has been honored with a 2026 Colorado Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence (People’s Choice Award), recognizing the project’s innovative and community-centered approach to placemaking, identity and navigation.