The Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan recommended that the trail system along the Upper Valley Drainageway should be rebranded as the Vierling Greenway, complete with new signage identifying routes, adding amenities and a trailhead in Lion's Park.

This sign concept would also be used throughout the city to consistently brand all parks and trails moving forward. As parks are improved or developed or as future signs need replacement, this sign design will be used. Staff worked with Confluence to create concepts for review and in April 2021, the City Council unanimously chose a design concept to move forward with. 

In Spring 2022, the City put out a request for proposals for a sign company to design and manufacture 53 signs located along the Vierling Greenway and in various parks in the city (see map). Seven proposals were received ranging from $176,119 - $610,655.

Albrecht Signs, Fridley MN  $397,351.40

Blink Signs, Cleveland OH  $386,744.10

Dahlen Sign, Shakopee    $610,655.00

Graphic House, Wausau WI $557,158.00

Indigo Signs, Chanhassen $485,327.00

Michael’s Signs, Racine WI $176,119.00

Schad Tracy Signs, Burnsville $543,739.94

Staff conducted interviews and determined the lowest bidder, Michael's Signs, has extensive experience in similar projects and is well-qualified to complete the job. Some similar projects completed by Michael's Signs include:

• Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee, WI: 60 custom trail signs
• Wisconsin Dells River Walk
• Divine 9 Plaza, UW Madison
• Pabst Farms, Oconomowoc, WI
  
  

Staff is recommending awarding the contract to Michael's Signs. If the contract is awarded, staff will work with Michael's Signs to finalize sign details with installation later this summer/fall.