Sign Hill
Master Plan
John Baas (WRA)
Robin Graham (WRA)
JUNE 2023
Daniel Shafir-Schorr
(Gates + Associates)
2 Overview
• Purpose of the Master Plan
• Context
• Key Focus Areas
• Existing Condition Studies
• Preliminary Results
• Next Steps
3 Purpose
• Guide future development of the
trail system to enhance public
access and visitor experiences.
• Protect sensitive biological and
cultural resources.
• Minimize wildfire hazards through
appropriate vegetation
management.
4 Context
• Align with existing plans and policies
•Incorporate existing information
5 Focus Areas
• Habitat restoration for endangered
butterflies
• Trail improvements to enhance visitor
experience and safety
• Reduce wildfire fuels
•Improve awareness for and appreciation
for Sign Hill
6 Existing Conditions
STUDIES
• Cultural Resource Assessment
• Biological Resource Assessment
• Fire Fuels Evaluation
• Trails and Visitation Assessment
• Community Outreach
METHODS
• Data review
• Database research
• On-site data collection
• Online public survey and in-person events
7 Preliminary
Findings &
Recommendations
SIGN HILL MASTER PLAN
Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations Cultural Resources
• Tom Origer & Associates
• No history of structures
• Low sensitivity for buried resources
Architectural historian is needed to evaluate
future work proposed for sign letters.
9 Biological Resources
ENHANCE NATIVE GRASSLANDS
• Non-native tree removal and invasive plant
management
POTENTIAL FOR SENSITIVE PLANTS TO OCCUR
• Species-focused surveys prior to grounddisturbing work • Larval host plant restoration area expansion
11 Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations
13 Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations Trails
• Three key areas with high levels of erosion
• Visitor trail creation extensive but localized
• Letters Trail: Improve drainage features
• Iris Trail: Re-routing
• Ridge Trail: Drainage/erosion control
• Close selected visitor-created trails
16 62%
5%
33%
Hiking Running Dog walking
Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations
Visitors
• 100-170 visits per day
48.5 32.8
20.6 76.6
62.6 32.5
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 70
80 90
Ridgeview Ct Poplar Ave Spruce/Diamond
Average Daily Visitation by Trailhead
Weekday Weekend
Community Outreach Promotion (began March 15)
• Social Media posts to City channels
• Flyer mailed to community
17 Pop-Up Event at Sign Hill (April 1)
• Approx. 30 participants
Online Survey (March 15–April 7)
• Survey received 428 responses
English and Spanish Language Materials
• Primarily locals
• 87% visited Sign Hill before
• 87% adults over 35
18 50%
18%
17%
15%
Caucasian or White Hispanic/Latinx Asian Other
Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations Community Outreach
19 TOP COMMUNITY PREFERENCES FOR SIGN HILL
CURRENT FEATURES LIKED IMPROVEMENT FEATURES DESIRED MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS
1. Views and scenery
2. Walking Trails
3. Native flora and fauna
1. Trail enhancements
2. Signage to identify habitats
and plant/animal species
3. More seating areas
1. Natural beauty
2. Sustainability & conservation
3. Opportunities for exercise
Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations Community Outreach
20 Preliminary Findings
& Recommendations Community, Park and
Recreation Commission
Feedback
•Improving wayfinding
•Interpretive signage and programs
(stewardship ethic)
• Safety improvements and signage
• Add benches along steep sections of
trails
•Improve trail accessibility
21 Next Steps
• Refine trail reroute alternatives and
prioritize restoration locations.
• Prepare draft Open Space
Management Plan.
• Host town hall event for community
input.
• Prepare final Open Space
Management Plan.
• Present final plan to Parks &
Recreation Commission and City
Council for adoption.
Thank You!
QUESTIONS / COMMENTS?