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Smithsonian

National Zoological Park

Perimeter Infill Fencing Project

Combined Preliminary and Final Design -Perimeter Fencing

Submission to the National Capital Planning Commission

SF #1533110

March 7, 2019

Table of Contents

Consultant Team

Ayers Saint Gross

Baltimore, MD

Dharam Consulting

Philadelphia, PA

GHD Engineering

Chantilly, VA

Michael Vergason Landscape Architects

Alexandria, VA

RK&K

Baltimore, MD

ORCA Consulting

Clermont, FL

Smithsonian

Michelle Spofford,

Architect + Senior Planner

(202) 633-6558

1 Introduction and Purpose 1

2 Background - Master Plan 2

3 Visitor Access and Safety: Planning & Design Concept Development 3

4 Existing Conditions - Animal, Pedestrian & Vehicular 5

5 Proposed Fencing Infll 6

6 Fencing Infll Project Segments 14

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Figure 1 - Existing Ornamental Fence at Lower Zoo Entry

Introduction and Purpose 1 The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is developing plans to infll their perimeter

fencing to improve security and the visitor experience at the National Zoological

Park (NZP or Zoo). SI has performed several studies that have analyzed the

existing conditions, defned goals and requirements, proposed strategies, and

developed concepts for this goal.

The proposed fencing outlined in this submission builds upon earlier perimeter

containment and animal fencing work approved by both the Commission of Fine

Arts (CFA) and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) in 2012.

This submission proposes security fencing required to close gaps in the present

perimeter fence in the central visitor area of the Zoo. The primary difference

between the scope of this project and previously implemented fencing work is

the focus on pedestrian safety and access. Previous fencing work focused on

animal containment and satisfying Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

requirements.

As a result of increased pedestrian safety concerns, this submission has

also incorporated vehicular-rated fencing to deter a vehicle from driving into

pedestrians gathered near entrances.

Perimeter Infll Fencing Project 1

Figure 2a - Master Plan Proposal (2008)

Background - Master Plan 2 The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a free-of-charge zoo and local resource that

serves many user groups including: zoo enthusiasts and tourists; neighborhood families;

recreational joggers and walkers; organized school and tour groups; and special event

visitors. Seasonal and special events result in visitation surges that occur around Spring

Break, Easter Monday, in the winter with Zoo Lights, and throughout the year with the

birth of new animals. However, several incidents and the overall heightened concern for

visitor safety have prompted the call for improved visitor safety measures.

The 2008 Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan approved by both CFA and NCPC (Figure

2a), identifed opportunities for enhanced visitor experience and operations with the

consolidation of parking lots and streamlined visitor entries. The Master Plan

recommended construction of a new Central Parking Facility (CPF) along with a pedestrian

bridge that would allow expansion of exhibits and improved visitor circulation. After

additional consideration, the Zoo has decided against building the CPF in the foreseeable

future. As a result, the three (3) current primary pedestrian entries - Connecticut Avenue,

the Bus Lot and Lower Zoo – will continue to function as is.


Figure 3a - Existing Connecticut Avenue Entrance

Following a number of criminal incidents that occurred in or near the zoo, the Director of the Smithsonian

Offce of Protection Services (OPS) and Smithsonian’s National Zoo Director consulted with several constituent

groups and the local community to consider and develop suggestions to address the violence. After months of

study and numerous security consultant reviews the directors of the Zoo and Smithsonian security concluded

that the best course of action was to implement temporary access controls during specifc periods of high

visitation. After the decision was made to implement temporary access controls, the Smithsonian held

several public meetings to socialize this new procedure for the 2015 Spring Break period. Additionally, the

Smithsonian rolled out a robust communications plan to inform the public.

Visitor Access and Safety:

3 Planning & Design Concept

Development

The Smithsonian has been employing temporary access controls every spring since 2015,

and there have been no further incidents of violent conduct. The impermanent nature of

these measures requires the construction of temporary fencing, along with the erection

of tents and canopies to control visitor fow and provide limited environmental protection

for both security staff and the visiting public. The deployment of the temporary fencing

and canopies (as well as providing for power, lighting, etc.) is a signifcant annual

expense for the Smithsonian. When the decision was made in 2015 to begin temporary

access controls, the Smithsonian also elected to embark on a design process to provide

a permanent infrastructure to support the new process and reduce these signifcant and

recurring annual expenses. This also supported the goals of the NZP Master Plan.

Currently there are thirteen (13) pedestrian access points that allow visitors to enter the

exhibit areas and Olmsted Walk – three (3) primary and ten (10) secondary. During the

design and planning process, it was determined that the three (3) primary access points

should remain, and that the secondary access points should be reduced to three (3)

(Figure 3b). The three vehicular entry points - one from the west at Connecticut Avenue

and two towards the east from Harvard Street and Rock Creek Parkway onto North Road

- will remain unchanged. They will continue to link the fve parking lots and service

points within the Zoo. A private, staff-only area to the south of the public Zoo, known as

Research Hill, will remain accessible through a secure gate and is not being considered

for additional visitor safety measures as part of this submission. The bike trails adjacent

to this area will remain open to the public.


Adams M

ill Rd.

Beach DrBeach Dr.

. Adams M

ill Rd.

North Rd.

North Rd.

Connecticut A

ve.

Connecticut A

ve. Haw

thorne St.

Haw

thorne St.

Existing Public Entry Points Proposed Public Pedestrian Entry Points

Lot A Bus Lot Lot B Lot C Lot D Lot E Connecticut

Avenue Entry Bus Lot Entry Lower Zoo Entry

Klingle Rd. Klingle Rd.

Research Research

Hill Hill

N N

Pedestrian Entry - Primary

Pedestrian Entry - Secondary

Vehicular Entry

Pedestrian Entry - Primary

Pedestrian Entry - Secondary

Vehicular Entry

Figure 3b - Entry Point Consolidation


Existing Animal

Containment

Fence

Existing

Perimeter

Fence

Area Requiring

Vehicular and

Pedestrian

Controlled Access

Research

Hill

Figure 4 - Existing Fence Conditions (Entire Zoo Property)

Existing Conditions -

4 Animal, Pedestrian &

Vehicular Two eras of perimeter fencing currently exist at the National Zoo: fencing that was

installed before 2012; and, fencing that was installed as part of the Supplemental

Animal Containment Fencing project approved by CFA and NCPC in 2012. The existing

fence conditions diagram (Figure 4a) captures the older perimeter fence that generally

secures the outer Zoo property line and the southwest side of Rock Creek, as well as an

inner ring of secondary animal containment fencing that was installed after 2012. The

non-public area of the Zoo, Research Hill, is also secured when the Zoo is closed. All of

the fencing installed prior to 2012 was either black chain link or wood stockade fencing

for animal yards, whereas the new fencing approved for use after 2012 is a combination

of chain link and 8’ ornamental metal fencing. The ornamental fencing was installed

primarily in the lower zone of the Zoo. The shaded area within the center of the Zoo has

been designated for securely controlled pedestrian and vehicular access for Zoo visitors.

This submission proposes to augment the fencing approved in 2012 with additional

pedestrian and vehicular fencing to enhance security at the Zoo. The existing fencing

conditions diagram (Figure 4b) identifes fence types and the locations of existing gates

for vehicular access and visitor access control.


Figure 5a - Existing Lower Zoo Entrance Sliding Gates

5 Proposed Fencing Infill

The diagram on the following page illustrates the locations for security fencing

infll anticipated at the Zoo (Figure 5b). The Connecticut Avenue entrance is

the primary access point to the Zoo and will remain unchanged as part of the

perimeter fencing improvements. The Bus Lot entrance and drop-off will also

remain unchanged with the exception of an additional pedestrian gate and a

vehicle access gate as part of the fencing infl. The Lower Zoo Entrance is the

primary visitor entrance during events and peak days when Lots D and E are in

use. Visitors arriving by foot from the east and the Adams Morgan neighborhood

also use this entrance. This entry currently has the lowest pedestrian volume and

will remain unchanged as part of the additional fencing work.

Perimeter Fencing Requirements

The proposed fencing, which also meets Association of Zoos and Aquariums

standards, will complete the perimeter fence enclosure. Existing wooden stockade

fencing will remain as part of the animal holding and service yards near the Bus

Lot.

There are three primary types of fencing proposed for use as part of this submis-

sion:

1) an eight-foot (8) black, ornamental pedestrian metal fencing manufactured by

Ameristar Fencing, Inc. (AFI),

2) an eight-foot (8) black, ornamental vehicular-rated metal fencing also manufac-

tured by AFI and,

3) a twelve-foot (12), wire-topped, black vinyl-coated chain link fencing.


New Vehicle-Rated

New Chain

Link Fence

New Vehicle-Rated

Ornamental Fence

New Chain

Link Fence

Fencing Infill Plan New Ornamental

Fence

New Vehicle-Rated

Ornamental Fence

Ornamental Fence

Existing Ornamental

Fence Replaced with

Vehicle-Rated Fence

FENCE LEGEND

New Chain Link Fence

New Ornamental Fence

New Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence New Vehicle-Rated

Staff Gate Ornamental Fence

New Pedestrian Gate with Wayfnding Signage

New Vehicular Gate

Existing Vehicular Gate

Existing Chain Link Perimeter Fence (installed pre-2012)

Existing Chain Link Fence (approved 2012)

Existing Ornamental Fence

Existing Animal Exhibit Fence 0 50 100 200

Figure 5b - Proposed Fence Infll Plan


Figure 5c - Existing Stone Piers and Pedestrian Ornamental Fencing at Lower Zoo Entrance

The pedestrian ornamental fencing and gates are used throughout the Zoo and are considered the Zoo

campus standards (Figures 5c, 5e). This type was part of the initial fencing upgrades approved by

both the CFA and NCPC in 2012. The proposed vehicular-rated fence type is new, since it incorporates

increased post sizes along with additional horizontal reinforcing channels and cables to satisfy the ASTM

crash rating for vehicular security (Figure 5f). The inflled fence network will also require single and dou-

ble leaf swing gates (Figures 6a-6b), which are identifed on gate plan (Figure 8).

Criteria for use of the ornamental fences will be wherever the fencing can be closely observed or comes

in contact with Zoo visitors and patrons. The proposed vehicular-rated fence type uses the same picket

style and 4” spacing but is considered a new style, as it incorporates increased post sizes every 32’ and

includes additional horizontal reinforcing channels and cables to meet the required ASTM vehicular

security crash rating (Figure 5f). Overall the two systems should be considered part of the same aes-

thetic family as they share similar features. This is particularly true along large portions of North Road

Figure 5d - Existing Chain Link Fence in Woods

or the lower Zoo Service Drive. Some sections of existing pedestrian fencing will need to be upgraded to

the vehicular-rated type as part of this submission. A comparison of the two fencing types is provided in

side-by-side scaled elevations (Figure 7).

Transitions between the pedestrian and vehicular-rated fence types will be mitigated where feasible with

plant material or with stone piers similar to those at the Connecticut Ave or Lower Zoo entries (Figure

5c). The black, wire-topped chain link fencing (Figure 5d) will only be used within heavily wooded areas

or places hidden from public view.

The proposed fencing has been overlaid with the mapped archaeological sensitive areas identif ed

in the Zoo Master Plan. Excavation work required for the new proposed eight-foot (8)

black ornamental pedestrian fencing is not expected to exceed 40 inches in depth, while the eight-foot

(8) black ornamental vehicular-rated fencing will require 60 inches deep by 36 inches wide footings


Figure 5e - Existing Ornamental Sliding Gate at Connecticut Avenue Entry Figure 5f - Proposed Vehicular-Rated Ornamental Fencing (representative sample from another facility)

at approximately 32 feet intervals. It is at these locations that the high strength cables will be secured for ram-

ming protection. Based on past archaeological reports and fndings, the proposed fencing should not affect any

historic or archaeological resources. NZP Horticulture staff have conducted a survey along the proposed fencing

segments and impact on existing trees or vegetation appears negligible. In the event a tree does need to be

removed, NZP will follow their replacement policy of a ‘one for one’ substitution. A majority of the fencing will

be concealed by existing vegetation and, where appropriate, new plantings will be added to further integrate the

fencing with the landscape.


Figure 6a - Proposed Double Leaf Swing Gate (representative sample from another facility) Figure 6b - Proposed Single Leaf Swing Gate (representative sample from another facility)


8 ft. Pedestrian Ornamental Fencing Elevation

8 ft. Vehicular-Rated Ornamental Fencing Elevation

Figure 7 - Proposed 8 ft. Ornamental Fencing Comparison


FENCE LEGEND



New Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence

Staff Gate

1

Segment 3

2 6

7

8

9

4 3 5


Segment 2 New Vehicular Gate

Segment 4 Existing Vehicular Gate




Existing Animal Exhibit Fence Segment 1 Segment 5

10

GATE SCHEDULE

1 – 20’ Wide Ornamental Double Swing Gate




5 – 20’ Wide Ornamental Sliding Gate


7 – 6’ Wide Ornamental Swing Gate





12 – 10’ Wide Chain Link Double Swing Gate

13 – 4’ Wide Chain Link Single Swing Gate

14 – 6’ Wide Chain Link Swing Gate




All gates 8 feet height unless otherwise noted.

11

12

13

14

Segment 6

16 17

Segment 7 -

Replacement of

Existing Fence with

Vehicle-Rated Fence

Segment 8

15

0 50 100 200

Figure 8 - Fencing Gate Plan


Front Elevation Viewed When Entering Zoo

Rear Elevation Viewed When Exiting Zoo

Figure 9 - Proposed Directional Signage at New Entry Gates

With the Central Parking Facility project cancellation, the surface parking lots and bus

drop off remain operational for the long term. It is important that the Zoo differentiates

the visitor entry points in these areas from staff-only gates. The proposed wayfnding

signs are located at parking lots A, B, C, and at the Bus Drop Off. The signs are not

proposed for the primary entry gates at Connecticut Avenue and the Lower Zoo. Each

are 12’ wide and 14’ high, with the sign panel matching the new fence and gates in

material and color, while also sharing support posts with the new entry gates (Figure 9).

The raised lettering and Smithsonian sunburst are painted metal and meet Smithsonian’s

graphic standards. Viewed from the parking lots, the sign reads: “Welcome to Smithso-

nian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.” The reverse side reads: “Thank

you for supporting our conservation efforts!” The wayfnding signage is not illuminated.


Fencing Infill Project 6 Segments

Proposed Location of Chain Link Fence Looking Southwest Across North Road

(fence location shown in red outline for graphical identifcation purposes only)

Visitor Center

FENCE LEGEND




Staff Gate


New Vehicular Gate





Existing Animal Exhibit Fence

Fence Segment Highlight

Photograph View Location

Segment 1 - Connecticut Avenue to Visitor Center

A chain link fence will be placed along the top of the slope and continue to the Visitor Center garage

access. The existing chain link section from the stone gateway pier at North Road to the Olmsted Walk

entrance at Connecticut Avenue will remain (Figure 10).

Figure 10

Visitor Center Garage Access

Olmsted

Walk

North

Roa

d Parking Lot A

Bus Lot

N

r Ce ge A

sitor nter

Visi Cent

Center Access


FENCE LEGEND




Staff Gate


New Vehicular Gate

Proposed Location of Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence Looking Northeast Opposite Lot A


Figure 11

Visitor Center

Olmsted

Walk

North

Roa

d Bus Lot

Visitor Center Garage Access

N

Parking Lot A

1

3








North

Roa

d

2

Proposed Location of Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence at North End of Bus Lot


Segment 2 - Visitor Center to the Bus Drop-Off

From the Visitor Center, an eight-foot (8) vehicle-rated ornamental metal fencing will follow the existing

internal asphalt walkway to separate Zoo visitors from North Road and Parking Lot A. The frst 20’ wide

double leaf swinging service gates (Gate #1) will provide Zoo staff access to animal exhibit areas. A

single 6’ wide gate (Gate #2) provided at the Lot A crosswalk will allow continued access from this lot,

but also provide OPS the opportunity to screen visitors as needed. A 20’ wide double leaf swing gate

(Gate #3) near the entrance to the Bus Lot will be provided for staff service vehicles. From this point,

an existing ten-foot height wood stockade fence secures the Zoo along the length of the Bus Drop-Off

Area (Figure 11).


North Road Parking Lot C

Olmsted Walk Parking Lot B

Panda Plaza and American Prairie

Bus Lot 4

6

5

FENCE LEGEND




Staff Gate


New Vehicular Gate








Proposed Location of Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence Looking Southeast Behind Panda Plaza at the Bus Lot Exit


Proposed Location of Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence Looking Southwest Behind Panda Plaza at the Lot B Exit


N

Figure 12

Segment 3 - Bus Lot and Panda Plaza

At the existing entry from the Bus Lot Drop-Off into the Zoo, access will be controlled with the addition

of a 20’ vehicular swinging gate (Gate #5) and a 6’ pedestrian gate (Gate #4). An eight-foot (8) vehicu-

lar-rated ornamental metal fence will extend from the Bus Lot around the service buildings that provide

food service for the Panda Plaza gift shop and American Prairie. A sliding metal gate (Gate #6), match-

ing the vehicle-rated ornamental fencing, will be required to provide access to the service yard from

North Road (Figure 12).


FENCE LEGEND

New Chain Link Fence Existing Chain Link Perimeter Fence (installed pre-2012)

New Ornamental Fence Existing Chain Link Fence (approved 2012)

New Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence Existing Ornamental Fence

Staff Gate Existing Animal Exhibit Fence

New Pedestrian Gate with Wayfnding Signage Fence Segment Highlight

New Vehicular Gate Photograph View Location


Proposed Location of Ornamental Fence Looking Southwest Next to Lot B


Panda Plaza and

Bus Lot

Proposed Location of Ornamental Fence Looking Southwest at Lot B Entrance


North Road

Parking Lot B

Parking Lot C

Elephant House

Olmsted Walk Parking Lot B

American Prairie

7

8

9

10

N

Figure 13

Segment 4 - Parking Lot B

An eight-foot (8) ornamental metal fence will extend along the boundary between Olmsted Walk and

Parking Lot B. This fencing will serve as the long-term, permanent containment and security edge for

the Zoo. Two gates (Gates #7-8) will provide access for Zoo staff, while an additional gate (Gate #10)

will remain for Zoo service vehicles. The public access point for Lot B will occur at Gate #9 (Figure 13).


Proposed Location of Pedestrian Entry Looking Southwest Opposite Lot C Entrance

(fence location hidden from view by vegetation)

Segment 5 - Animal Exhibits to Lot C

From the Lot B entrance, the eight-foot (8) ornamental vehicle-rated metal fence will continue along

North Road until it meets the existing Zoo animal services buildings, which form the back of house

operations for Small Mammals. From here, the perimeter containment fencing will change from the or-

namental type to chain-link, as this is a heavily vegetated area and hidden from view along North Road.

The chain-link will continue within the woods atop the steep embankment until it runs down the slope

and ties into the existing chain-link fencing adjacent to the Power Plant (Figure 14).

A 6’ pedestrian gate (Gate #11) will be installed in the fence where it crosses the existing walkway

leading down to Lot C. The gate in this location will be secured with a magnetic card reader for Zoo staff

and provide access for visitors arriving from Lot C.

N

Figure 14

North Road

Small Mammals

Parking Lot C

Steam Boiler Plant

11

FENCE LEGEND




Staff Gate


New Vehicular Gate









FENCE LEGEND





New Pedestrian Gate with Wayfnding Signage Fence Segment Highlight



Figure 15 Proposed Location of Chain Link Fence Looking Southwest Next to the Power Plant

North Road

Small Mammals

Parking Lot C

Steam Boiler Plant

14

13

N

12

(fence location shown in red outline for graphical identifcation purposes only) Segment 6 - Power Plant

Supplemental chain link fencing will be used to secure the Power Plant area. Chain link fencing will fol-

low along or be integrated into the existing food control walls and gates that surround the Power Plant.

The staff parking area will be left as is. Existing chain link fencing is located within the woodland area

behind the Power Plant and ties into the existing eight-foot (8) ornamental metal fence that extends to

the Lower Zoo entry point, thus securing and isolating the Steam Boiler Plant from the main Zoo (Figure

15). The existing gates (Gate #s 12-14) will remain and be incorporated in the proposed fence modif-

cations.


N

Figure 16

Great Cats

Harvard Street Bridge

Nort

h R

oad

Rock C

reek

Rock C

reek

Beach Drive Entry Olmsted Walk Proposed Location of Existing Ornamental Fence to be Replaced with Vehicle-Rated Fencing


Segment 7 - Existing Ornamental Fence Opposite Harvard Street Bridge

The existing ornamental metal fence will be replaced with vehicle-rated ornamental fencing between the

Lower Zoo entry plaza and the intersection of North Road and Harvard Street. The new fencing will be the

same height and general confguration as the existing fencing to remain (Figure 16).

FENCE LEGEND




Staff Gate


New Vehicular Gate









FENCE LEGEND





New Pedestrian Gate with Fence Segment Highlight Wayfnding Signage



Proposed Location of Vehicle-Rated Ornamental Fence Looking Southeast Across North Road toward Amazonia


N

Figure 17

Service Drive

Mane Service

Yard

Amazonia

Rock Creek

Research Hill

Service Drive

15

16

17

Segment 8 - Mane Service Yard To Amazonia

The existing eight-foot (8) ornamental metal fence that secures the Zoo along the lower Service Drive to

the Mane Service Yard vehicular gate from the Lower Zoo entry will remain as is. However, the fencing

will need to be extended and a new gate (Gate #15) provided to maintain an internal pedestrian path

while still controlling vehicular access. The existing black ornamental metal sliding gate will remain

with a longer similar sliding gate added on the exterior. The parallel gates will restrict visitor access to

the Mane Service Yard area as pedestrians move between Amazonia and the Kids Farm area, while still

maintaining controlled vehicular access to this area.

From the new sliding gate the eight-foot (8) ornamental metal fencing will continue along the existing

walkway to the bridge over Rock Creek. A swinging metal gate (Gate #16) and a new ornamental sliding

gate (Gate #17) will be placed for staff pedestrian and vehicular access to Amazonia and the valley por-

tions of the Zoo from Research Hill (Figure 17). Visitor access from this point will no longer be possible.


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