Lake Arlington Facility Rebranding

Creating a Cohesive Identity for a Community Destination

As part of a larger Arlington Heights Park District rebranding initiative, I led the visual refresh of Lake Arlington. The project introduced a new identity and coordinated signage system designed to guide visitors, share information, and reflect the character of the recreational site.

My Role: Project Manager, Lead Graphic Designer
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
Responsibilities: Brand Identity, Logo Design, Environmental Graphics, Wayfinding, Interpretive Signage, Vendor Coordination, Print Production, Event Promotion

Lake Arlington identity and environmental signage

The Challenge

Lake Arlington needed an identity that felt distinctive to the facility while remaining connected to the Arlington Heights Park District's larger brand. The system also needed to function across different types and scales of signage in an outdoor public environment.

The Solution

I developed a cohesive visual identity and signage system that combined clear navigation with educational and recreational information. The final system included the facility logo, identity guidelines, entrance signage, wayfinding materials, interpretive displays, and grand-reopening communications.

Reopening & Construction Communications

To build awareness for the updated facility, I designed a brochure promoting Lake Arlington's grand reopening. During construction, I also created temporary signage that communicated closures and upcoming improvements while giving visitors an early preview of the new visual identity.

Brochure advertising the Lake Arlington grand reopening — Grand-reopening promotional brochure

Temporary signage installed during Lake Arlington construction — Construction signage previewing the new identity

The New Facility Identity

The finished entrance sign introduced the new Lake Arlington identity at a highly visible scale. The sailboat logo reflects the character of the facility, while custom activity icons highlight the recreational experiences available throughout the park.

Primary facility sign featuring the new logo and recreational activity icons

Visitor Information and Engagement

The signage system extended throughout the facility to help visitors navigate the space and engage with their surroundings. A central welcome display provided essential facility, pathway, safety, and wildlife information, while smaller educational signs encouraged discovery throughout the park.

Lake Arlington welcome display with facility information and park rules — Welcome display with facility information and pathway guidance

Educational engagement sign installed beside a Lake Arlington path — Educational signage installed throughout the park

Interpreting the Lake's History

Interpretive signage also shared the history and development of Lake Arlington. The displays combined archival imagery, educational content, and the new visual system to make the site's story accessible to visitors.

Visitor reading a historical interpretive sign at Lake Arlington — Lake history interpretive sign in use

Project Management and Production

As project manager, I coordinated vendor outreach, collected production and installation estimates, and worked with selected partners throughout fabrication. I reviewed deliverables to ensure the finished signs and communications met design, quality, budget, and scheduling requirements.

Final Outcome

The completed rebrand created a consistent visitor experience before, during, and after the facility's reopening. From temporary construction communications to permanent entrance and educational signage, each element helped introduce the new identity while guiding, informing, and engaging the community.