What’s Happening Now
SignWorks is currently working on a cool and challenging project for the Parks Department of a local city. We’ve been hired to design and build three large post and panel signs for public parks. These signs are custom-made aluminum cabinets with strong posts and tubing so they’ll last a long time outdoors.
But like many big city jobs, this one came with lots of reviews, permits, and even some last-minute surprises! We’ve been working closely with the general contractor, city officials, and even the fire department to make sure everything is just right.
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What Are Post and Panel Sign Cabinets?
These types of signs are made up of:
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A large sign panel or cabinet – This holds the graphics, maps, or park info.
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Strong posts – These hold the sign up above the ground.
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Tubing and framing – Helps support the cabinet and keep everything in place.
They’re perfect for parks because they’re:
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Durable and weather-resistant
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Easy to read
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Customizable with maps, logos, and park rules
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Working With the General Contractor
We were brought onto this project by a trusted general contractor that we’ve worked with before. Contractors often count on us for:
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Site visits and measurements
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Sign design that follows city and ADA rules
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Permit applications
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Fabrication and installation
Once the general contractor shared the design scope and park locations with us, we got to work right away on measurements and mock-ups. In this instance the general contractor will install all three signs.
City Review and Permits
Before building anything, we needed to get approval from the city. Here’s how that process went:
Step 1: Design Submittals
We sent the city drawings that showed:
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The sign’s shape, size, and materials
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Where each sign would be placed in the parks
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Details on fonts, graphics, and city logos
Step 2: Permit Paperwork
Next, we completed the permit applications. Each sign had to follow:
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Local sign codes
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Visibility rules
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Public safety guidelines
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Accessibility (ADA) laws
We’re very familiar with these steps because we help contractors and city departments navigate the sign permitting process all the time.
Step 3: Waiting for the Green Light
The city took some time to review everything. Once we got word that things were moving forward, we were excited to begin fabrication. But then…
A Surprise from the Fire Department
Just when we thought we could start building the signs, we got new instructions. The fire department had reviewed the plans and decided that each park sign needed an address banner added to the top of the cabinet.
This banner would help emergency services find the right location faster if someone calls for help at a park.
While this made sense, it also meant:
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A design change
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A delay in fabrication
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An increase in cost and materials
Because of this new requirement, we had to pause fabrication and we anticipate a 5 weeks addition to the timeline.
What We Could Do in the Meantime
Even though we couldn’t build the aluminum cabinets just yet, some parts of the project were already approved. That allowed us to:
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Start printing the graphics and park maps
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Order materials we knew wouldn’t change
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Begin preparing files for production
This helped us stay on schedule as much as possible, even with the delay.
Finalizing Costs and Moving Forward
With the changes from the fire department, we are now working closely with the general contractor and the city to:
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Confirm the incremental costs of the new banners
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Finalize updated designs
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Get new permits (if needed) for the address additions
We’ve worked with city departments, government agencies, and contractors for years. We know these jobs take extra care and planning. Our team is great at:
How SignWorks Helps Government Projects Succeed
We’ve worked with city departments, government agencies, and contractors for years. We know these jobs take extra care and planning. Our team is great at:
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Following rules and building codes
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Creating detailed drawings and samples
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Staying organized through long approval processes
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Adjusting quickly when things change
Whether it’s for a park, a government building, or a school, we make sure every sign fits the city’s needs and lasts a long time.
Why We’re the Right Partner
Contractors and cities trust SignWorks because we:
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Take care of permitting and paperwork
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Communicate clearly with everyone involved
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Know how to meet city and ADA rules
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Stay flexible when projects shift or grow
Looking Ahead
Even with the unexpected delay, we’re excited about this park signage project. Once everything is approved, we’ll begin fabrication on the three large sign cabinets and prepare for installation. Visitors to these parks will soon have beautiful, easy-to-read signs that help them find their way, stay informed, and feel safe.
Want Help With a City or Construction Sign Project?
If you’re working on a new building, park, or public space, SignWorks is ready to help you get it done the right way—from drawings and permits to the final install. Reach out to us today and let’s start planning!