Motorcycle club donates $2K to help build safety fence at Norwich school

On Thursday morning, 60 pre-schoolers dashed through a sprinkler on the grounds of the Norwich Early Learning Center at Deborah Tennant Zinewicz School.
There was also a popsicle break and water stations set up behind the Case Street building for children to play in.
But nearby, the sound of traffic streaking by on Interstate 395 was audible – a possible safety hazard that’s on the mind of district officials, including Superintendent Abby Dolliver.
“The kids may not know what it means to be safe in that playground, but we all do,” she said.
That’s why administrators plan to erect a 4-foot high chain link fence around the tree line behind the school. Their efforts got a $2,000 boost on Thursday when members of a public safety motorcycle club brought a caravan of riders to the school with a check to jump start the project.
“We hope that this would be a start to get other organizations and the community involved with the security of our children,” said Norwich Police Sgt. Michael McKinney, president of the Southeast Connecticut chapter of the International Renegade Pigs Motorcycle Club.
McKinney is a former school resource officer who is known for riding his department-issued motorcycle while on duty. He said his relationship with Dolliver and experiences in the district inspired him to take part in a fundraiser for the fence.
The chapter held its annual pig roast late last month, and chose to give the proceeds to help purchase the safety fence.
“We are active in numerous charitable causes and fundraising efforts, particularly those which benefit police officers, firefighters, their children and our communities,” McKinney said when his riders arrived at the school.
District preschool director Lynn DePina said construction on the fence should start within the week. State law allows natural vegetation as buffer zones, which is what is there now. But children cannot use that part of the property. Once a fence is in place, that section of the land can be used by students, DePina said.
“Now, they’ll be able to explore, and it’s going to double our footprint back here,” DePina said.
She said officials plan to install an outdoor theater area and a school bus converted into a Playscape behind the school.
“You watch the kids closely as it is, but this is even better,” Dolliver said. “We’re very grateful.”

More: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20150813/NEWS/150819739