Many residents happy with signs

Some people might not like the new “way-finding” signs in Riverdale Park, but it seems that a lot more think they’re just dandy.

Our last column was about an email from Randy Brown, the executive director of Friends of Riverdale Park West, and his acute dislike of the new signs placed in the park as part of a city pilot project.

Brown described them as “ugly,” and said the city did not consult with the local community before installing them, adding he met with city officials involved in the project who would not explain themselves to him.

The parks department gave us information that shows the city consulted with the public on the way-finding project, which has been brewing since 2014, and that most people who took part in a survey approved of them.

That had us wondering how Star readers feel about the signs, so we asked for comments and received upward of 20 emails, with only a couple that were critical. Writer and teacher Beth Kaplan sent us a note taking issue with Brown’s assertion that the city did not consult with the locals at Riverdale Park.

“They put up several test panels and asked for feedback; city staff were … asking everyone who passed by what they thought, and taking notes,” Kaplan said.

“I like those signs,” said Kirk LeMessurier, who identified himself as a local resident. “I think they have a modern, clean feel and are attractive.”

“I’m in the park at least twice a day with my dogs and I can’t begin to tell you how many people I see consulting the signs,” Dave Fraser said.

It’s still not too late to offer feedback to the city. Comments can be sent to parkwayfinding@toronto.ca. Go ahead and have your say.