FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 28, 2022
Contact: Steve Smirti, Director of Communications (ssmirti@medford-ma.gov), 516-606-1524
City Promotes Walkability with Launch of Pilot Program FindMedford
Wayfinding Signs to be installed throughout City Directing Pedestrians to Points of Interest
(MEDFORD)—The City is launching FindMedford, a new pedestrian wayfinding pilot program aimed at promoting walkability, reducing traffic congestion and limiting emissions by encouraging the public to access points of interest by foot, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced.
The FindMedford wayfinding signage program will ultimately create a comprehensive city-wide plan for signage to help people safely navigate points throughout the City. These signs can highlight Medford’s history, including landmarks and buildings, give squares and destinations a boost, and assist with the transition between car, pedestrian, and transit use.
“Medford has so many amazing destinations that are all accessible by foot,” Mayor Lungo-Koehn said. “By installing these wayfinding signs, we’re encouraging people to walk through our squares, green spaces and downtowns to experience everything our City has to offer.”
Sign design, walking routes, and destinations were developed in collaboration with WalkBoston, an advocacy organization dedicated to improving walkability across Massachusetts, and WalkMedford, a community-based pedestrian advocacy group. Over the coming weeks, pedestrian wayfinding signage, highlighting various locations, will be installed in and around Medford Square. Funded through a Shared Streets and Spaces grant from MassDOT, the program is set to tentatively launch later this summer.
Mayor Lungo-Koehn signed a pledge to cut the City’s carbon emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The FindMedford Program was created with that goal in mind. The initial phase of the pilot program will focus on Medford Square, directing pedestrians to destinations in and around the square. Signage will also connect walkers to four other neighborhoods: Haines Square, South Medford, Hillside, and West Medford.
“Reducing our carbon footprint while also providing an active, accessible program that the public can utilize is a truly wonderful thing,” said Planning, Development and Sustainability Director Alicia Hunt. “Pedestrian wayfinding is a crucial tool that promotes walkability, limits reliance on vehicles and encourages people to explore new places in Medford.”
The City will be releasing a survey on the program to gauge community interest, solicit feedback and answer questions. The survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the signs and will also be available on the City’s website and social media channels. Please reach out to the Office of Planning, Development, & Sustainability at ocd@medford-ma.gov or (781) 393-2480 with any questions or comments regarding the pilot program.
A map of destinations and walking routes can be found here.
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Steve Smirti
Director of Communications | Office of Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn
Medford City Hall
85 George P Hassett Dr, Medford, MA 02155
781-393-2110 (office)
516-606-1524 (mobile)
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