The new retractable gate at the back (gym) parking lot is fully installed and operational! It is a great safety improvement for the side lot and playground areas, thanks to the efforts of a handful of church volunteers over the summer.
In order to keep unnecessary traffic out of this recess area, delivery vehicles are now able to enter by either entering their unique access code (given out to the companies who have regular, scheduled deliveries or trash pickups) or by contacting the church office that can open the gate remotely. Once an “exit loop” is installed, a vehicle will approach to exit the rear lot and a sensor in the pavement will trigger the gate to re-open automatically. For most who have an access code, your code should work to open the gate.
To increase the security, another security camera was installed that faces the gate and the preschool play area. A new monitor in the church office makes it simple to identify vehicles approaching the gate and ensure that everything is opening and closing correctly.
In order to ensure full security of the side parking lot, new bollards were installed to restrict access to pedestrians only.
The project was made possible by a Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) provided through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. In the past three years St. John’s has received more than $135,000 in grant funds in support of $195,000 in projects designed to improve the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and parents. Each project has been designed to INCREASE access for some while restricting access for others.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who put so much effort into completing this work before the start of school. Be sure to thank these volunteers, who spent many hours in the heat this summer, for all the work they did swiftly to get the building upgraded, secure and ready for another school year.
Still want to help? The sidewalk and parking lot must still be repaired from where digging was necessary during installation. One of the old gate posts needs to be removed and the other needs to be painted. If you’re willing to help, please contact Pastor Albers or the church office.
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