My application was rejected. The reason given was that “this is just a small, ordinary directional sign and does not meet Wayfarer standards.” However, this is not a sign. It is a record of volunteer activities related to cleaning and maintaining the sidewalk. This location indicates where volunteers gather to maintain the environment of the sidewalk. How can I prove that this is not a sign? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The answers the appeals team uses appear to be templates they copy and paste. Sometimes the words are not exactly right, but the idea is that the sign is not eligible. It does not meet any of the main criteria of a great place to exercise, explore, or be social. You can find more about criteria at https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/21-wayfarer/section/166-wayspot-criteria/
There are two reasons why I believe the main criteria are met. First, the section indicated by the arrow is maintained by volunteers in a suitable environment for walking (cleaning and repair of any ground defects), making it an ideal place for exercise. Second, the section indicated by the arrow is a place where volunteers regularly gather and work to maintain the environment, providing opportunities for interaction. Don’t these two points also meet the criteria?
A good way to think about whether something meets criteria is would you take an out of town friend there to see it? A place that you can walk, is not the same as a dedicated, marked walking trail. A place where you can interact is not the same as a great place designed to meet up with folks and gather. An information plaque about who keeps the place clean is not the same as a plaque about an historical event that happened there.
When considering whether a location meets the eligibility criteria for socialize, exercise, or exploration, I start by thinking about the reason for the location’s installation or maintenance. Let’s focus on the road itself, not the sign. That road was built to ensure traffic flow, not for volunteer cleanup activities. Even if we focus on the signs, the purpose is to praise volunteer activities. I think this might give visitors a little insight into the town, but I don’t find it particularly appealing as a place to explore. Does it meet any of the eligibility criteria?
If, however, the flower beds along the road are also maintained by volunteers, the purpose is to allow many people to enjoy the flowers. In this case, I believe it could qualify as a destination for exploration.
By the way, @TjoeMi has pointed out something very important. If you are managing multiple accounts, please consolidate them into a single account as soon as possible. We have heard the heartbreaking laments of people who managed multiple accounts far too many times.