Earlier this month, the U District neighborhood welcomed thousands of visitors that arrived for the Special Olympics Games USA. U District, Let’s Go team members got on the welcome wagon too, specifically, they got on Lime Bikes and provided mobile wayfinding assistance.

“It was a huge success that involved a variety of people and partners.” Said Miriam Castro, Program Manager of U District, Let’s Go. Efforts were coordinated alongside King County Metro Transit, who had its own street team stationed at every major U District transit stop. “In addition to our own training, event staff was encouraged to attend Metro’s training as well.” She said. 

“We learned talking points and how spot when people look lost, which isn’t really what you think. Sometimes people need help and they just need a welcoming and friendly face to talk to.” Said Brenda Nugyen, Program Assistant with U District, Let’s Go. “We also got their wayfinding cheet sheet that included step-by-step directions and bus lines for how to get to the event venues. We developed our own neighborhood focused cheat sheet that included things like where to find the closest drug store or grocery store.”

UW Transportation Services provided information on campus impacts and shuttle routes. Lime Bikes donated the bicycles that the mobile wayfinding team used during the event. “I am sincerely grateful for everyone’s contributions toward making sure that our wayfinding efforts were successful.” Said Castro.

Jedell Frigillana, from our said that his experience doing mobile wayfinding was a rewarding experience. “Simple acts of giving maps to people can go a long way. With so many people who are only visiting the U District for a short time, it can be overwhelming not knowing the area. We helped to create a positive impact on those visiting the area.”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The U District, Let’s Go mobile wayfinding team interacted with more than 1,600 people and passed out as many maps. “A special thank you to King County Metro Transit, Seattle Department of Transportation and the U District Partnership for helping create the cool neighborhood mobility map that we made.” Said Castro.

If you would like a stack of U District, neighborhood mobility maps for your business or organization, drop us a line and we’ll connect with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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