How I turned scattered stories into an educational experience
During my summer as a management intern, I balanced leading kayaking trips with researching the park’s history to create interpretive signs. With a deep love for the park, I was eager to preserve and share its stories in a lasting way.
I designed three signs—one for each major section of the 560-acre park—featuring history, wildlife, and archival imagery. From lost stories to scavenger hunts and illustrated maps, this project enhances the visitor experience with engaging, educational content.
Gathering historical and observational research
Due to limitations in 2020, I could not spend time talking to visitors and understanding their needs specifically. So with visitors interest in mind, I dove into some archival data, interviews, and wildlife observation to learn the fascinating history and understand the natural beauty of Burchfield County Park.
Archival Research
Researched county archives for historical records on the park’s farmland past and acquisition.
Interviews
Met with veteran park staff to gather firsthand and passed-down history.
Wildlife Observation
Researched local biodiversity through field study and online resources.
Internal artifacts to help develop the story and visuals
After weeks of archival research and land transfer notes—plus an unexpected deep dive into 1950s land deeds—I mapped property lines and uncovered park history.
If you love maps, I made one showing the park’s property (diagonal stripes) overlaid with individual farms. It explains tree lines and fence posts that marked old boundaries. While not part of the final signs, this map helped me visualize the space, shaping the stories I told—plus, it deepened my connection to my favorite place.
Turning the research into informational signage
After gathering content and talking with coworkers to understand what stories and information they found interesting, I brought it all together with a few content themes; historical framing, photographs, illustrative maps, and scavenger hunts. I used these themes to come up with three signs, each for a different area of the park, to help users appreciate and understand the place around them.
Historical Narratives
I distilled the park’s history into concise stories, highlighting key moments and those who shaped the land.
Photographs
I combined archival and new photos to offer glimpses into the past and a touch of summer for winter visitors.
Scavenger Hunts
I designed interactive trail elements to help visitors discover hidden gems while learning about the park’s nature and history.
Illustrations
The illustrations add visual interest and help visitors orient themselves within the park.
Installing the signs
The signs were printed when the park aquired some extra budget for signage a few years later. I had a few rounds of reviews with the managers and collaborated with the printing company to pick the right materials and sign stands.
And in Fall 2024, they were installed.
