NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 26, 2023 (Newswire.com) – On April 7, 2023, Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville donated and installed a combined 707 total linear feet of ornamental, wood, and chain link fence to Youth Encouragement Services’ Carpenter’s Square location on Nolensville Pike. The installation ensures an unobtrusive, permanent perimeter security for the property and peace of mind for Y.E.S. staff and the youth it serves. 

“When Youth Encouragement Services contacted us at the end of 2022, they were experiencing vandalism and the remains of unwanted activities due to unimpeded access to the property,” said Derek Smith, Chief Operating Officer and third-generation owner. “After a site review, we decided to tear down the existing fence and install all new fence and gates to envelop the facility. Three total areas of fence created the secure perimeter.” 

The first section, a 5′ height installation, included 440 L.F. of Ameristar Montage Plus Majestic style fence including a 5′ wide single swing gate, two 20′ wide cantilever slide gates, and a 20′ wide double swing gate. Gate hardware included Locinox Mammoth-180 self-closing hinges, D&D Technologies Top Pull MagnaLatch, and Shut It Original hinges. 

The second section, a 6′ height installation, included 160 L.F. of pressure treated pine wood picket fence and Master Halco PostMaster Plus steel posts. Wood pickets were installed on both sides of the fence line that faces a noisy Nolensville Pike to aid in dampening noise on the playground. A 4′ wide single swing gate included a Locinox Mammoth-180 self-closing hinge and D&D Technologies MagnaLatch Top Pull. 

The third section, a 5′ height installation, included 107 L.F. of black vinyl coated chain link fence with a single swing gate. Gate hardware included a Locinox Mammoth-180 self-closing hinge and D&D Technologies MagnaLatch Top Pull. 

“The Good Friday Service Project is based on the principal that we should use whatever gifts we have received to serve others,” Smith said. “We were blessed and humbled to contribute our talents to protecting the staff and children of Y.E.S.” 

“Every day, Youth Encouragement Services provides after school and summer programming for kids from lower income communities out here and we want to make sure that our locations are those safe places for kids. So, this is a huge blessing that we could not even have imagined,” said Viva Price, Executive Director, Youth Encouragement Services. “Our kids can still feel welcome when they come so this is amazing.” 

“2023 marked a return to all 70 Rio Grande employees being on-site working on the installation,” Smith said. “The past few years, hindered by the coronavirus pandemic, we had to adjust our scheduling and staffing away from full capacity. As you can see in our related event video, it is a rewarding and impressive sight to see all our company trucks lined up and employees putting their talents together to serve Y.E.S. and the children who benefit from their services.” 

About Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville 

Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville has been installing and repairing fences for commercial and industrial projects since 1958. Business owners, general contractors, government agencies and sports facilities throughout the Mid-South turn to us for perimeter security and peace of mind. The Company won the American Fence Association National Contractor of the Year in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. 

Good Friday Service Project and Selection Process 

Since it began in 2015, the annual Good Friday Service Project provides an enduring, visible tribute to the faith and ideals that Lee Roy Smith, Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville’s founder, strived to achieve in life and business. Each year, RGF selects a local non-profit with perimeter security needs and provides all materials and installation for a new, commercial-grade fence at no cost to the organization. 

RGF accepts nominations throughout the year. To be eligible, the non-profit must be in Nashville (Davidson County). In January, we narrow down the field to a set of finalists. We then contact the finalists to conduct site visits and meet with the organization about the service project request. Typically by Feb. 1, we announce the annual recipient of our Good Friday Service Project. 

Historical information and an application for the 2024 Good Friday Service Project is available at www.rgfence.com

About Youth Encouragement Services 

Youth Encouragement Services‘ mission is to enrich the lives of Nashville’s youth by providing opportunities that encourage them to reach their full potential spiritually, academically, socially, and physically through daily programming in a Christ-centered community. 

Y.E.S. operates two youth centers that offer educational and recreational programs as alternatives for kids ages 5-18 during after school hours and summer break. 

Programs effectively provide inner-city youth a safe place to go where they can engage in social, educational, recreational, and cultural development.