It will soon be easier for visitors to find their way around the city and locate various attractions.

The City Council Community Development Committee met before the regular council meeting on March 15.

Committee Chair Shawn Martel and council members Michael Colon and Bryan Callahan heard about the Wayfinding program from city staff. The program has worked to prepare signs for the downtown and Southside districts to point visitors to attractions and provide a uniform look to make it easier for visitors to spot directions.

Community and Economic Development Director Alicia Karner said the first phase is planned for this spring.

The wayfinding project is estimated to cost $500,000, with $100,000 in grants secured and another $200,000 pending, she said. The balance will come from community partners, Karner said.

She said feedback from community groups has been positive and supportive.

City staff plan to bid for a firm to build and install the signs. Some are meant for cars for visitors to find their way while driving in the city. Others will be meant for visitors while they are walking around the city, with directory map, and interpretive signs with information on local historical people. The signs will give walking distance to attractions.

Attorney Jack Spirk, council solicitor, said the signs should also indicate handicapped access to buildings.