In August 2021, we opened a signposted 3km walking route around Delapré Park to help visitors explore everything that the park had to offer. During the project we asked people what the design of the signs should look like, monitored the number of people walking the route, and asked for people’s experiences of using the route and the park.
At the start of the project, 266 people surveyed said that signs needed to include arrows, a map, distance of the route, information about the area, and emergency contact information. People thought the signs would help them explore the park with more confidence, particularly for first time visitors.
The new signposted walking route being officially opened. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
What we found
During August 2021 to August 2022, we monitored how many people were using the signposted walking route. 23% of people walking along the route were following the new signposts, with the signposts mainly helping new visitors to the park.
People told us that the new signs were “easier to navigate for first timers” and “the walking distance being signposted really helps to decide whether to take the walk or not.”
The signposts also proved useful for those with limited mobility of health conditions and revealed that more places to sit are needed along the footpaths, so people can rest.
"I like to explore paths that are signposted and then that gives me the confidence to explore further knowing I can find the pathway back."ParticipantWalk route research project
"If you knew you weren’t going off course and you knew the length of what you’d got to go so you don’t overstretch yourself…that would be brilliant, to have that, it would encourage me to go further."ParticipantWalk route research project
One of the newly installed walking route signs. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
What happens now?
Thanks to you sharing your views in this research, West Northamptonshire Council and Delapré Abbey have secured funding to upgrade the signposts and some of the footpaths in Delapré Park. Both organisations will be asking for community input into the design and positioning of the new signposts.
We have also shared what we found with local Friends of Parks groups, charities, West Northamptonshire Council, public events, and other organisations to help inform them about what they should do in the future to improve their local parks.
Watch the video
Further information
The research articles and supporting anonymised data can be publicly accessed below.
Guides and talks
Developing directional walking route signage for your local community: a toolbox guideVisit external link
Increasing community engagement in greenspace physical activity through wayfindingVisit external link
Research articles
Ryan et al., (2023): Delapré Walk Project: Are signposted walking routes an effective intervention to increase engagement in urban parks?Visit external link
Ryan et al., (2023): Using automated active infrared counters to estimate footfall on urban park footpaths: behavioural stability and validity testingVisit external link
Ryan and Hill, (2022): Public perceptions on the role of wayfinding in the promotion of recreational walking routes in greenspaceVisit external link
Supporting data
Using automated active infrared counters to estimate footfall on urban park footpaths: reliability and validity testingVisit external link
Are signposted walking routes an effective intervention to increase physical activity in urban parks?Visit external link
Supplementary Date File for Public perceptions on the role of wayfinding in the promotion of recreational walking routes in greenspaceVisit external link
