Concept A is the preferred of two options offered for new way-finding signage throughout Mission Bay Park. The new signage is being designed to replace the 30-year-old signs directing visitors to marinas, beaches, streets, boat launches and attractions. 
Both signage design concepts were unveiled previously at a May 7 community workshop at Mission Bay High School. May 13 was the deadline for residents to vote their preference on the City’s Facebook and Nextdoor pages.
San Diegans submitted more than 2,500 opinions to help shape the next phase of sign redevelopment. While hundreds said they liked Concept B, twice as many preferred Concept A (at right). 
“Given that public review of the two signage concepts was decidedly in favor of Concept A, the final design will most likely be a modified version of that concept,” said Alec Phillipp, senior City spokesperson. “After 30 years of the current signage, the public appears eager to move forward.” 
Mission Bay Park is the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country, with more than 4,235 acres split about evenly between land and water. 
Regarding when the final sign design/plans will be ready, Phillip said: “A second concept is currently being developed, though we don’t have a deadline for completion yet. A modified version of Concept A based on public input received is being developed and will be included within the PEIR as design guidelines, proposed locations, signage types, example graphics, etc.”
Phillip said the public will have another opportunity to review the modified version of Concept A once it’s developed. 
There is presently no estimated cost for sign replacement, nor a start date for construction. The funding will likely come from the Mission Bay Park Improvement Fund, according to the City.
As one of the City’s most iconic destinations, Mission Bay Park hosts an estimated 15 million visitors annually. For those visitors, navigating throughout the area is assisted by a meticulously placed series of about 140 way finding signs.
A few highlights from the collected suggestions and comments on signage include: high contrast improves visibility; avoid fonts that are too narrow, use arrows rather than triangles for direction markers, include wildlife graphic elements, and add “Regional Wetland” to any tagline.
“We greatly appreciate the public interest in this project,” said James Arnhart, project manager for the City’s Mission Bay Park Improvements Program Environmental Impact Report. “We will continue to consider all comments as we move forward in the design process.”
The locations of signage, whatever ultimately is chosen, has yet to be determined.The City will evaluate the most effective locations for the various types of signs to orient and educate residents and visitors alike. It is possible that not every existing sign will be replaced at its current location.
The new signs will be made of durable products and materials, ensuring that they withstand the constant exposure to salt water and sunlight.
Concerning what’s to be done with old signs being, Phillipp said, “Some of the wood might be able to be re-purposed for new projects in the park.”