New perimeter fence complete, gates to begin operation

 

La Sierra University has completed construction of a more than 1.3-mile perimeter fence and four gates are scheduled to begin regular operational hours on March 19.

La Sierra University has completed construction of a more than 1.3-mile perimeter fence and four gates are scheduled to begin regular operational hours on March 19.
La Sierra University has completed construction of a more than 1.3-mile perimeter fence and four gates are scheduled to begin regular operational hours on March 19.

After months of construction, La Sierra University's new perimeter fence and five entrance gates are complete. The gates will begin operation on March 19 at 11 p.m. under the following schedule:

  • The main entrance off Riverwalk Parkway (Yeager Drive) will remain open at all times until personnel occupy the Welcome Center.
  • The gate at the intersection of Sierra Vista Avenue and Pierce Street will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
  • The Middle Campus Drive and Quiet Lane gate will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday - Friday.
  • The Raley Drive and Upper Campus Drive gate will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
  • The South Pierce Street and Raley Drive gate will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Anytime the main gates are closed, Lower Campus Drive gates adjacent to Thaine B. Price Science Complex and Palmer Hall will be open for access to Upper Campus Drive areas. All gates will be operational at all times for exiting the campus.

The concept of a campus perimeter fence derives from discussions initiated in 2007 by the Athletics Fields Safety, Planning and Maintenance Committee, a group formed by the Provost in spring 2006 to help maximize use of university space. The committee began gathering input from a variety of campus stakeholders to determine the various views regarding the construction of a perimeter fence.

Ultimately, the committee compiled a list of issues, costs and benefits pertaining to the fence concept. Potential benefits included creating a visible campus boundary as evidence of La Sierra University's concern for safety, stewardship of university resources and enhanced community relations.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee was heavily involved in the design and planning of the fence project. The committee's goal was to define the boundary of the campus, while striking a balance between increasing a sense of security and improving the aesthetics of the campus. The committee sought the expertise of EPT Design Group to assist in the design of the campus perimeter fence and architect Charles Brown to design the welcome booth.

Careful attention was given to the welcome booth, entry points, gate operations, pilasters, fence material, and plantings. Once the design and planning was completed, the project was sent out to bid. Tilden-Coil Constructors won the bid and was chosen as the general contractor for the project.

The completed fence is approximately 7000 linear feet (over 1.3 miles) in length with a total of 17 entry points, which are for either car or pedestrian access. The welcome booth and pilasters are a neutral khaki color. The caps are coated with an anti-graffiti application to ensure the perimeter fence will retain its attractiveness long term.

All elements of the project were budgeted at $2.0 million. The project was completed for $1.8 million. Special thanks to:  Kim Riley (Project Manager, Tilden-Coil Constructors) who expertly coordinated the construction of the perimeter fence and to Al Valdez, Chuck Nelson, and Carmen Cordero for their hard work in pulling this project together.

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)

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