Bodelwyddan Park recognised at European Awards

Denbighshire County Council has been recognised by The European Wayfinding Awards for its work with designers f.r.a., winning the award for ‘Best Wayfinding for Urban Public Realm’.

The award celebrates the wayfinding and interpretive signage that was installed as part of a wider project to regenerate Bodelwyddan Park.

Beginning in 2022, the project received £900,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and looked to address the condition of the parkland, before reopening to the public in 2025.

Working closely with the designers, a wayfinding system was developed to make the park welcoming and accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The system responds to different interests, cognitive needs, language preferences in both Welsh and English and mobility requirements, helping people navigate the landscape while discovering its rich historical and ecological heritage.

A carefully considered signage hierarchy guides visitors through the park, with interpretive information integrated throughout the journey. Bright, colourful graphics are paired with locally sourced oak, creating a distinctive identity that combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

The interpretive signage also incorporates inspirational photography, informative graphics and innovative 3D sensory elements, encouraging tactile exploration and creating a more inclusive, multi-sensory experience.

Amongst the award-winning wayfinding system, Denbighshire County Council also introduced two kilometres of new disabled friendly limestone topped pathways to improve accessibility at the site, restored the WWI practice trenches and planted wildflower meadows to improve biodiversity. 

Jamie Trippier, Projects and Managing Director of f.r.a. said

“We’re incredibly proud that our work at Bodelwyddan Park has been recognised by Transform magazine’s European Wayfinding Awards. This was a genuinely collaborative project, and working with Denbighshire County Council gave us the opportunity to use design to open up this remarkable landscape and its heritage to an even wider audience. The award is a wonderful recognition of the ambition and care that went into the project.”

Garry Davies, Countryside Officer for Denbighshire County Council who oversaw the project said:

“We are delighted to receive this award in partnership with f.r.a.creative who delivered progressive and innovative interpretation and wayfinding to provide a totally accessible green open space. The vision was to encourage people of all ages to visit, spend time outdoors and enjoy all the park has to offer. Visitors can arrive on a range of public and private transport to Parc Bodelwyddan and experience the outstanding natural environment, heritage, and assets with far-reaching views of the spectacular and varied landscape that Denbighshire has to offer”.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education and Children, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said:

“Denbighshire County Council prides itself on working collaboratively with partners to deliver improvements to our residents, and it’s a privilege to be recognised for this award alongside f.r.a on this project.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of our countryside team who have worked tirelessly on this project. Since reopening to the public, the park has become a great asset for the local community and has welcomed so many visitors who have been able to experience the natural environment our county has to offer”.