Overview
Providence Church in Raleigh, NC, is a vibrant place of worship, welcoming thousands of visitors each week. With an entrance and parking lot that slope directly toward the main doors, the church faced a serious security challenge: protecting congregants and visitors from potential vehicle intrusions without compromising the inviting nature of the space. To address this, Providence Church installed Barrier1 Systems’ Traffic Impact Bollards with Planter Covers—a solution that seamlessly blends safety and aesthetics.
The Challenge: Securing a High-Traffic Entrance
The church’s main entrance was particularly vulnerable to vehicle intrusions, whether accidental or intentional. Director of Security Tim Luper highlighted the concern:
“Our entrance and parking lot slope towards our building. They lead right into our main entrance and lobby. Thousands of people use this area each week. There was nothing at the main entrance to protect against a vehicle intrusion, whether caused unintentionally (accident, medical cause, etc.) or intentionally (bad actor, terrorism, etc.). We needed something to protect this space while still providing a welcoming and inviting look.”
The church sought a solution that would offer robust protection while enhancing the entrance’s visual appeal.
The Solution: Traffic Impact Bollards with Planter Covers
Barrier1 Systems worked closely with Providence Church to assess their needs. The team provided on-site consultations, measurements, and digital renderings to ensure the proposed solution aligned with the church’s security and aesthetic goals.
The new fiberglass Planter Covers come in seven different styles and 20 color options. For this project, the church selected the Wannsee model, measuring 50″ W x 44″ H. With four strategically placed Traffic Impact Bollards, each fitted with a Planter Cover, this solution provides security while maintaining a welcoming environment.
The Installation Process
The installation was performed by Daugherty Concrete Company, a trusted contractor in Raleigh, NC. The process was smooth, with the team ensuring the bollards were installed to exact specifications for optimal security and stability.
“Daugherty Concrete Company did a great job on the installation. They installed the bollards per the specifications and also took the time to ensure proper fitment and leveling of the planters. We were very happy with the installation.”
To optimize the functionality of the planters, the team drilled drainage holes at the base, added drainage rock for better water flow, and filled the planters with soil and seasonal plants, including nandinas and daffodils.
Although the cold January weather initially stressed the nandinas, additional soil helped them recover. The daffodils, on the other hand, added vibrant color to the church entrance, reinforcing the planters’ decorative value.
Integration into the Church’s Security Plan
Since installation, the Bollards with Planter Covers have become an integral part of the church’s security strategy, providing peace of mind for leadership and members alike.
“Knowing the bollards are there, quietly protecting the main entrance, takes a load off my mind as Director of Security. It provides a wise measure of protection for our people while the planters have created a space for us to display plants and colorful flowers that testify to the glory of God. The planters really have added some visual appeal to our main entrance.”
The installation has successfully balanced security and aesthetics, demonstrating that safety measures do not have to compromise the inviting nature of a place of worship.
Community Response: Positive Feedback
The response from the church community has been overwhelmingly positive. Some members immediately recognized the protective purpose of the planters and praised the church for prioritizing safety. Others simply admired the beautiful landscaping, unaware of the security benefits.
Working with Barrier1 Systems
This was Providence Church’s first experience installing bollards, and Tim Luper emphasized how Barrier1 Systems provided expert guidance throughout the process.
“The Barrier1 team came out and helped us identify what we needed. They took measurements and even provided a digital rendering of what the final product might look like. I like the selection of planters that Barrier1 offers to conceal the bollards. They were professional and helpful all along the way.”
From initial consultation to final installation, Barrier1 ensured that the church received a customized, effective security solution.
Conclusion: A Model for Church Security
The installation of Bollards with Planter Covers at Providence Church demonstrates how effective perimeter security can be seamlessly integrated into a welcoming environment. The bollards provide critical protection against vehicle threats while also serving as an aesthetically pleasing solution that enhances the church’s entrance and functions as a low-maintenance landscaping feature to improve curb appeal.
Tim Luper and his team were so satisfied with the results that they plan to use Barrier1 Systems for future projects:
“I would absolutely recommend them to others who are interested in bollard protection. In fact, we intend to use them again in the future to protect several other areas of our building.”
For organizations looking to enhance security without compromising aesthetics, Bollards with Planter Covers from Barrier1 Systems offer a proven, effective solution.
Interested in Upgrading Your Perimeter Security?
Barrier1 Systems specializes in customized security solutions that balance protection and design. Contact us today to learn how Bollards with Planter Covers can enhance your space.
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