admin posted on August 03, 2012 10:09
Over the next two weeks new directional signage will be installed in key locations around the Town of Matthews. The new signage is part of a Wayfinding and Beautification Project for the Town. This effort is a result of input from citizens, visitors, and business people who spoke about the need to improve signage and to do more to beautify the Town.
The 30 new directional signs clearly delineate major destinations in the Town. Not only do the signs serve a practical function, by aiding people as they drive to key locations in the Town, they will serve as an artistic element of the Town’s brand.
The signs were specifically made for the Town of Matthews and include a scroll element at the top, stars at the base and a swirl element that mimics the Town’s logo. The sign hardware is a pewter color and the signs themselves are sage green and the Town logo colors of brick red, black and grey.
“With thousands of people visiting Matthews each year we knew we needed to do a better job in helping them find our facilities, our downtown, the library, the theatre, Farmers Market, Wingate University, the greenway, our new Sportsplex and more,” said Annette Privette Keller, Communications Director for the Town.
The Town Board has also given specific names to several key Town locations that will help the Town market its facilities as well as help people better find the event or activity they wish to participate in. The theatre in the Matthews Community Center has been named the Fullwood Theatre in memory of Mr. John Miles Fullwood. Mr. Fullwood was the postmaster of this area in 1825. Mr. Fullwood’s home served as a stagecoach depot and welcome haven for people traveling between Charlotte and Monroe.
The former Agricultural Building, which is adjacent to the Matthews Community Center and is currently under renovation, has been named the McDowell Arts Center. The Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will use the building for a variety of programs, classes and events. The Old Public Works site, which is part of the Four Mile Creek Greenway and now has a fountain for the public to enjoy, has been named Fountain Rock Park.
The Crews Road Recreation Center has a new shorter name – The Crews Center and the natural area in front of Town Hall will now be known as the Town Green.
The next phase of the Wayfinding Project includes park and facility signage, median landscaping, and murals. Monies for the project will come from the Town’s Tourism Fund which is collected from the sales of food and beverages at restaurants, rental car fees and hotel fees. Tourism monies cannot be used for general operating expenses of the Town but must be used for activities and events that will bring visitors and enhance the quality of life for Matthews.