Capay Open Space Park (COSP) is a 41-acre park located in Esparto, California. The area is rich in cultural and natural history and has been open to the public for over ten years. However, until recently, the park and its public access to Cache Creek was virtually unknown and received few visitors due to the lack of wayfinding and interpretive signage.
Thanks to a grant from the California River Parkways Project, in April 2020, a three-year signage enhancement project was completed. The project was administered by the California Natural Resources Agency and led and implemented by the Yolo County Resource Conservation District (YCRCD) and Cache Creek Conservancy (CCC), along with many other organizations and volunteers.
The project consisted of six Gel Coat Laminate (GCL) panels. Four 3-by-6 foot interpretive panels were bolted to an existing kiosk frame at the park. Two 3-by-2 foot wayfinding panels were installed in Pannier’s Traditional T exhibit bases to show trail and creek access.
“As someone whose expertise is in native plant restoration and not construction, I needed help with planning the signage for the park, especially the kiosks. The staff at Pannier is knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and built us wonderful interpretive signs that will last for years. Thank you!” —Tanya Meyer, Program Manager, Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Pannier is proud to work with conservancies across the nation to fabricate beautiful signs and panels that add value to the visitors’ experience and compliment every landscape.
“These interpretative signs improve communication at the park and tell the story of Cache Creek, helping visitors feel a sense of place. The trail map improves the navigation of users, the creek access sign informs visitors of appropriate creek recreation, and the kiosk panels showcase regional/geographic context, natural and human history, the role of gravel resources, and ecological function and restoration of the Cache Creek.” —Mikayla Peterson, Outreach and Watershed Education Specialist, Cache Creek Conservancy
The interpretive signs are a product of months of community involvement. “A lot of great public input helped us determine how to develop these panels,” said Nancy Ullrey, CCC’s Executive Director. Cache Creek Conservancy held three community meetings to engage members in the process. The hope is that park visitors and residents will feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for this momentous enhancement.
“It is so exciting to be completing this project at this time and giving our community a ray of sunshine during these uncertain times. The signs will be a lasting improvement to the park.” – Mikayla Peterson, Outreach and Watershed Education Specialist, Cache Creek Conservancy
Anyone can take a virtual tour on the Cache Creek Conservancy website and enjoy the new interpretive signs and other exciting park enhancements from home! Whether in-person or virtually, nature enthusiasts can experience the unique history of the area and learn how to protect it as environmental stewards.
For more information on Pannier products, browse our website or fill out a contact form today! We look forward to an opportunity to help you with your next signage project.
