The Grand Blanc Commons, a 137.5 acre nature preserve in downtown Grand Blanc, offers an opportunity to develop new models for being fit and active; and in creating communities that are healthy and walkable, while being ecologically and economically sustainable.

UM-Flint Design Faculty, Benjamin Gaydos, and student researchers, will apply human-centered methodologies to develop wayfinding and informational systems for The Grand Blanc Commons. Our goal is to create comprehensive systems to inform, activate and engage local and transitory populations to support ecological sustainability and economic exchange.

With a successful interpretive and wayfaring sign system in the City’s Grand Blanc Commons Park, the trails will bring in new visitors, and retain former visitors. Park systems benefit and can impact the City’s local economy in many ways including attracting and retaining retirees, boost spending at local businesses, and can also influence business location and relocation decisions.