Technical Assistance Case Study

The park reviewed and approved the layout. Through this cooperative team effort between Zion National Park and Harpers Ferry Center, quality exhibits were developed and produced. The exhibits achieve the park’s interpretive goals and are consistent with NPS design standards.

Zion National Park Trailhead Exhibit

The Emerald Pools Trail Exhibit

Zion National Park used the Technical Assistance Program to develop three different wayside exhibits for their Emerald Pools Trail. The Emerald Polls Trail, one of the park’s most popular trails, offers a variety of hiking options ranging from wheelchair accessible to strenuous, with breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon. One of the three exhibits submitted for technical assistance was the Emerald Pools Trail exhibit, which orients visitors to the trail and provides safety information.

The Park Submits the Request

With guidance from the Technical Assistance Program manager, the park submitted a memorandum requesting assistance, along with resource packages for each exhibit.

The Resource Package

The resource package prepared by Zion for the Emerald Pools Trail panel included all the items needed to develop a successful wayside exhibit.

1. Draft text was furnished both in hard copy and digitally. Digital ext is essential for editing and for efficient wayside design development.
2. Photographic images, primarily of dramatic scenery along the trail, were furnished for consideration. Each was clearly labeled. Photographs of the exhibit location and views from the location were included for general planning and design reference.
3. A sketchy layout was submitted to illustrate the interpretive intent of the panel. The layout contained introductory text, a trail map, safety and resource protection rules, and a photograph of scenery along the trail.
4. A detailed, yet “rough,” map compilation was included for creation of a trail map. The compilation showed all proposed content including a scale reference. Though not included in this particular instance by Zion, an accurate existing map from a park trail guide or other source can often speed map development.

Wayside Development

A planner and a designer from Harpers Ferry Center discussed the materials in the resource package. Text was edited and sharpened. The idea of a dramatic full-panel background photo was selected to draw visitor attention and to preview one of the trail’s spectacular views. A trail map was developed to clearly diagram trail routes. Concise trail information, safety messages, and resource protection advisories were organized to graphically complement the map.

Conclusion

The park reviewed and approved the layout. Through this cooperative team effort between Zion National Park and Harpers Ferry Center, quality exhibits were developed and produced. The exhibits achieve the park’s interpretive goals and are consistent with NPS design standards.

Digital imaging was chosen as the method of panel production. These low-cost panels are ideal for trailheads and other applications where information may be subject to change. To expedite low-cost exhibit rehab or replacement in the future, the digital design files are maintained at Harpers Ferry Center.

See also the Technical Assistance Case Study of the Zion National Park Overlook Exhibit »

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Wayside Exhibits »

RELATED LINKS:

Zion National Park Overlook Exhibit »

PDF DOCUMENTS:

Printable Zion National Park Trailhead Exhibit »

Help With PDF »