Installation started last week on a new surveillance system at the Greene County Community Center.
The system replaces the original system installed when the building was constructed in 1999. The new system will allow staff to see not only the exercise room, track and gym, but the lobby, parking lot and playground.
Jefferson park and recreation director Vicky Lautner explained that there was no monitoring available outside the building, there were blind spots on the inside monitoring, and the images were too fuzzy to be able to identify anyone. The new system has a zoom function and will also record. The recording capability will prove valuable should there be incidents of theft or vandalism.
Cost of the new system is $6,599.75. A $3,300 grant from the Greene County Community Foundation will cover half, with the remaining cost coming from the city’s portion of the hotel/motel tax. The system was purchased from Tech Zone in Jefferson. Pictured are Chad Black (left) and Brad Byerly working on the installation.
“We’re grateful to the Community Foundation, and to the city for the new surveillance system. It isn’t only about security, but about the safety of community center users, too, especially when there’s only one staff person on duty. This will be a nice addition,” Lautner said.
