The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has installed solar-powered, automated entrance gates at 32 of its most active preserves, so the gates automatically will open at sunrise and close at sunset, according to a press release.
Each gate costs approximately $3,600, with a total price of $115,200 for all of them,and their installation will save the district time and money, John Goreth, director of operations and maintenance for the forest preserve, stated in the release.
“Financially, it just makes sense,” Goreth stated in the release. “The automated system will save roughly 3,650 staff hours and 85,000 miles of driving, each year. This allows us to be more ‘green,’ concentrate on other priorities, and increase the efficiency of the entire Operations and Maintenance Department. It also provides better service to the public.”
The Operations and Maintenance Department had three shifts, one beginning an hour before sunrise and fluctuating throughout the year. The next shift started at 7 a.m., and closing shift went until one hour past sunset, and again, fluctuating throughout the year.
Read more: Solar-powered gates installed at Kane County forest preserves