The National Zoo to Install Security Fencing, Consolidate Entrances

The National Zoo to Install Security Fencing, Consolidate Entrances

The National Zoo is looking to improve security with new measures such as security fencing.

The Smithsonian National Zoo will be boosting security by consolidating the amount of entrances to the park as well as adding security perimeter fencing to currently open areas, according to a new plan approved by the National Capital Planning Commission last week.

The National Zoo has been trying to update security measures for the park for over six months. An earlier proposal to build security checkpoints at the entrances of the zoo received public backlash and forced a delay on the vote to seek more feedback form the community. 

Residents at the time argued that free, unrestricted access to the park is what makes it such a special part of the city. Too much security, the argument goes, destroys fundamental character of the National Zoo. 

The original plan was born at the height of fear of vehicle ramming attacks last year and an increase in security at other Smithsonian facilities around the D.C. area.

The new plan would consolidate the zoo's 13 pedestrian entrances to six total entrances. Three that are official entrances to the zoo and three that serve as more informal entries that provide access to main parking lots.

The zoo also wants 4,205 feet of fencing around the zoo to "close gaps in the perimeter," according to the proposal. Ornamental black fencing resembling what already exists inside the zoo will be used "in any area that can be seen by the public, and chain-link fencing will be used in areas in dense vegetation or otherwise hidden from view."

A spokesperson for the zoo said conconstructiontruction on the fencing will begin sometime in 2019.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.