Gate
Gate
functions for 2002 included entrance control for our event, perimeter
control, and the production and distribution of laminate
badges. One Volunteer Coordinator managed coordination for all
three aspects.
Once again the team at the Gate did a great job. Almost all of
last year's team came back, and we increased our numbers
by 20 people overall. Things went smoothly between the gate and
box office, though supplies were sometimes mingled, making accountability
challenging. DPW wood deliveries for fire barrels were kept up
very well, helping to keep our night crews happy. Cross-pollination
between Gate and Perimeter staff served both teams well. It provided
flexibility in scheduling that made us able to tailor schedules
to volunteers' needs, so shifts were enjoyable and teams
tighter.
As in the past, meetings began early in the year. Trainings and
list discussions were productive, and we developed a new training
manual. To no one's surprise, having our staff express
their thoughts on this paid off in great team spirit as well
as an excellent
manual. The counterfeit ticket problem of 2001 was practically
eliminated with our new ticket design.
Vehicle search efforts were enthusiastic and as polite as possible.
Gate staff caught over 300 stowaways.
Several groups worked together to develop a road-watering system
that protected the Gate Road and reduced the amount of dust blowing
into our city. First, the city planning committee had the DPW
widen the road between the Gate and Greeters stations, to hold
more traffic
lanes. Through the day, at 20-minute intervals and coordinated
by radio communication, a lane was sprayed and then Greeters
and Gate workers coned it off to divert traffic to the other
lane.
As a result, water was absorbed into the playa surface rather
than creating ruts. This collaborative effort was extremely effective
at reducing fugitive dust and decreasing wash-boarding. It accelerated
the playa's ability to recover to a "Leave No Trace" condition,
and will become part of our standard procedures.
Perimeter
Perimeter technology (night vision especially) was invaluable.
The perimeter team caught nearly 200 would-be gate-crashers!
We are planning to increase our recruitment and extend our
enforcement hours and days to cover the entire event, from the day we close
our perimeter until the day our event is officially over. This
means the pre-event infrastructure must grow and develop.
Having auxiliary entrances and exits closed except for the
water truck and Law Enforcement (LE) gates made patrols much
easier
and eliminated many unnecessary "false alarm" calls. Cooperation
between and LE and Perimeter staff was excellent and respectful.
Response times were prompt and appropriate, though we are hoping
to work with LE to increase their presence along the fence-line
for 2003.
Laminates
The laminate process is under review for 2003. The team worked
hard creating laminate designs pre-event and coming up with
processes to output laminates, but they ran into some heavy
mechanical
difficulties on the playa. To their credit they were able
to fix, on site, the
software problems that occurred, but the accumulation of
additional difficulties backed up production far enough that recovery
became insurmountable.
We are reviewing who will manage this department, who will
receive laminates and how they will be produced.
DAILY POPULATION NUMBERS – (As of noon each day)
Monday 7328
Tuesday 12,347
Wednesday 17,202
Thursday 23,154
Friday 27,349
Saturday 28,979
Sunday 22,453
Monday 4258
Submitted by,
Mr. Freeze and Harley K. DuBois
Click here to read the 2001 Gate report. 