Some Village Businesses & Restaurants Desire Easier Gate Access for Visitors
KIRK GODDARD LARSON, Walt Disney Company Security – retired
March 1, 2022
I’ve heard various discussions online from individuals desiring more traffic for the Village restaurants and businesses. This is something I know the Hot Springs Village POA Board of Directors and Staff have examined in the past when discussing and refining gate security. Although this article is specifically written to address visitor access to HSV businesses and restaurants, the same process currently being used is also for guests of all members.
The solution for nonmembers to be given access to businesses inside the gates is that the restaurant or business owner is required to notify the gates via the proper online form (please see instructions below) or telephone the staff at the gates. (Phone numbers are in the photograph below.) Using the online form is preferable as this is easier for our gate personnel. It is probably quicker for the business owner too, as sometimes the gate personnel may be on another line and may not always be able to take their call.
Once a business receives the notification of an incoming guest, the business owner should notify the gate personnel. This is done so that the visitor’s name and necessary details will be in the computer system. The visitor is given a pass upon arrival to Hot Springs Village gates and subsequently allowed to proceed through the gates.
Instructions on how to request visitor gate access via POA website
- Click here to go to Explore the Village website,
- Click “Members”,
- Click “Gate Access”,
- Sign in with member id number
- Click “Gate Access” again, and
- Fill out provided form and click “Continue”.
HSVPOA Rules and Regulations Involving Gate Entrances and Identification Cards and Passes
Gate Pass Streamlining Suggestion Using a QR Code
A Quick Response Code (also known as a QR code) is a two-dimensional bar code that could be used for enhanced gate security and streamlining of gate entry processes. Although the POA currently does not use this system, it could be developed in the future for improved gate operations.
The QR code might contain information such as the following:
- Name of guest
- Telephone number of guest
- Date of requested access
- Name of business/restaurant owner or POA member requesting access
- Whatever additonal information is necessary
Once a business owner or member registers the anticipated visitor by the online form or by calling the gate, the QR Code is then sent to the guest’s telephone. Once the guest arrives at the Village gates, the QR code can easily be scanned by the gate personnel and a color-coded entry pass printed after verification of the guest’s driver’s license. Using a QR code helps the gate security guard to quickly verify that the visitor has proper authorization to enter the Village.
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Otera Brinson
03/01/2022 — 5:01 pm
I am a property owner. I think the qr code would be great. But the d method may still be required for the non tech savvy folks.
Tom Blakeman
03/01/2022 — 5:55 pm
QR codes may be a good idea to enhance what we already have. Everyone should keep in mind though that some of the Village still has marginal or no internet or cellular connectivity, some Villagers do not do “smart phones” and/or don’t want to or don’t understand all these new techi things. And, nobody has yet answered the question of just what technical capabilities actually exist at our gates. Only a couple years ago the reason we could not consider collecting visitor fees, boat launch fees or anything else at the gates was an almost total lack of tech connectivity and capability. Has that changed?
Robbie Dague
03/02/2022 — 6:20 am
Hello,
My concerns are:
Safety first
Restaurants being filled up where the
Villager’s will not be able to get in. This is due to they seem to close by 7:00pm
Longer lines at the gates for those who work outside the village.
HSVP C
03/04/2022 — 6:09 am
It is the policy of this website to not publish comments without a full real name. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Oren Gephart
04/08/2023 — 3:07 pm
Would like to talk to someone about east gate attendant on 4/8/2023 at about 2:30 pm. He wasn’t helpful in clearing my guest via phone – firstly he didn’t answer the phone – took several calls, then all information had to be repeated several times. It appeared he was being unduly and purposely difficult/slow just to show his police (wanta be) authority, Then he falsely told my guest I cursed hm and was rude. Must admit I did grow impatient.but no cursing occurred.
Anne M Nickerson
08/21/2023 — 7:21 am
We were visiting Hot Springs Village to attend church at the invitation of a resident. We were unaware it would be almost impossible to get into the village! Poor reception, unattended locked gates, and no signs advising us what to do. Finally we found the east gate. We arrived at the church just as the service concluded. How can the country’s largest gated community be this disorganized?
HSVP C
09/07/2023 — 2:30 pm
Anne, I do understand your frustration. The person who invited you as a guest should have made arrangements for you to be admitted into the Village and directed you to the appropriate entry. We do not man all of our gates, as the Village encompasses a very large area, and manning all the gates would be cost prohibitive. This snafu falls on whoever invited you, not the POA. Thank you. Note: I am an independent journalist and not the POA. – Cheryl