1. PROJECT PROFILE
16 01
Page 1
Chris Au
604 961 3472
Chris.Au@DidaxDesign.com
Tynehead Regional Park
Perimeter Trail Interpretive Exhibit
CLIENT Metro Vancouver Regional Parks is a system of more than 20 greenspaces (parks, greenways, ecological
reserves, etc.) throughout Metro Vancouver (GVRD).
PROJECT Tynehead Regional Park — in Surrey, BC — opened a new section of parkland to the public with a five
kilometre perimeter trail in an area rich in natural and human history. A series of nine sites along the trail
interpret the core theme of “Share the Trail” — an invocation to include the many plants and animals in
the park. This design/build project was a joint venture lead by Three Dimensional Services Inc., with Didax
Design Group Inc, and Artcraft Display Graphics Inc. As Didax Design’s creative director, Chris Au provided
the interpretive and production design.
OBJECTIVE This project represented an opportunity to develop contextually responsive and visitor engaging themed
experiences for different levels of interaction. The displays were designed to delight, surprise and reveal.
But most of all, to help connect trail users to their surroundings.
AUDIENCE The paved trail is accessible to all ages, abilities, and users; such as walkers, runners, cyclists, bladers,
boarders, wheelchair users, etc. Though open to all, most users would be area residents.
CHALLENGES The client group wanted to deliver an interpretive experience with more than the standard text/image
panel approach. An initial interpretive design concept had been developed (by others) that was an
ambitious undertaking but with a limited budget. Our
challenge was to respect the spirit of the concepts
but design and build the
displays within the fixed fiscal
parameters.
The displays provide different levels of
engagement for trail users: visual, tactile,
physical, and thought provoking. Interactive
displays include an over-scaled vole tunnel,
a weed wrench, and flip-book
Share
the
Trail

2. PROJECT PROFILE
16 01
Page 2
Chris Au
604 961 3472
Chris.Au@DidaxDesign.com
Tynehead Regional Park Perimeter Trail Interpretive Exhibit
APPROACH Together with the client, we pared down the initial number of displays, but maintained the quality and
robustness required for exterior exhibitry. Interpretively, we evoked strong images of times past as well
as present-day natural inhabitants of the area. We introduced industrial and innovative techniques for
the fabrication of displays. Digitally imaged polycarbonate panels and welded steel were combined with
natural materials such as rocks and logs in sculptural forms. The weather-resistant polycarbonate panels
were used throughout for benches and display graphics. Translucent versions were effectively used to
integrate messages with the natural surroundings.
OUTCOMES The public reception has been very positive; comments range from, “I didn't know that,” to “hey, that’s
really cool.” The more prominent displays entice trail users with engaging experiences, while the more
obscure displays delight trail users with their surprise discovery. Since the
trail opening, many have come to enjoy the trail on their own terms.