How Long Do Interpretive Panels Take?

You may be faced with getting one or more interpretive panels written, designed, fabricated, and maybe installed. And you need to figure out a timeline for getting this all done. The short answer is, maybe 6 months, maybe more.

You may wonder why they take so long. One reason is that interpretive projects often require input from many different people, from rangers to biologists, historians, and local experts. Many of these people deal with the public all day, and are interrupted constantly on any project they may undertake, so reviews of designs and text can take a while to get through all the channels it needs to go through. Sometimes that is weeks or months for one round of review. The text and graphics will generally require many rounds of revisions and review. On the projects I've worked on, we generally get to about round 7 or more, before we are ready for fabrication.

Another reason they take a long time is the fabrication. Depending on the material, it can take anywhere from 5-8 weeks for the designs to be fabricated and delivered.

Installation will also require time and coordination. Some panels just need some post holes and some concrete poured. Others need concrete drilled, or concrete pads poured. Parks may have maintenance crews to get this done. But other organizations may have to find someone else. Many local general building contractors will take on a small job like this.