The sign still encourages exercise and exploration of the trail though. The sign can be used as the place marker for the trail, as many times, if just the trail is nominated, it might not be seen as one and could be rejected.
Yes, anything could be explored, or a place to b3 social or exercise. However, there is criteria that must be followed with Wayfarer, and there are many good examples of places that are great to be social at, exercise at, and/or explore. Have you looked at the criteria link Cyndie provided yet, or the Criteria Clarification Collection for ideas?
It sounds like you live in a typical development, where those that developed the area didn’t think much about putting in points of interest for the community. It’s sad that there are many places like this these days, as it used to be that communities would have different POIs, not just rows of homes and empty shopping centers. But Wayfarer has no control how areas are developed, just the criteria for what may or may not be eligible.
Another thing of note is that there is a test in a few European countries right now, where Wayspots have been placed at street corners and bus stops in low-density areas. If this test goes well, they may extend it to other areas of the world. More info about this can be found here: