Bolingbrook Park District Installs Lightning Detection System

Press release from the Village of Bolingbrook:

Bolingbrook Park District has installed the STRIKE GUARD lightning detection systems at the following locations: Central Park (Annerino Community Center), Lily Cache Sports Fields-East, Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park, and Indian Boundary Park.

Although each one of us is responsible for our own safety, we utilize this sophisticated computer system to provide additional warning when dangerous conditions are detected.

The system consists of sensors placed at the park site that measure lightning strikes in an 8-10 mile radius of the park. When conditions indicate that lightning has occurred, a signal is sent to an alarm horn. The signal provides an 8- to 12-minute warning that allows one to clear the area and seek shelter.

To minimize the potential for lightning related injuries, it is recommended that when the warning system is activated (15-second horn blast and strobe light flash), the park sites affected be cleared and activities not be resumed until the all-clear signal is given (3 short horn blasts and a cessation of the strobe light). These alarm tones are distinctly different from any current public alarm tones. It is recommended that park patrons and staff immediately seek shelter in their vehicles. If such shelter is unavailable, patrons should avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscapes, not to use a tree for shelter, and keep away from metal objects such as bicycles, golf carts, umbrellas, etc. If it is the opinion of the Park staff, teacher, coach, referee, or the general public that the weather situation is not safe, do not wait for horns to activate – CLEAR THE AREA! Take shelter in your vehicles anytime lightning is seen, or thunder is heard.

Although we regret interrupting your selected activities, our primary concern is the safety of our park patrons. This system will be operational from April to November, seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm. In order to keep the entire system operational, all horn locations will be tested monthly during the operational period. A sequence of three short horn blasts will be manually activated unless a potentially dangerous weather situation is approaching.

PLEASE NOTE: Bolingbrook Park District has elected to only activate the strobe light during the COVID-19 Re-opening Process. This will allow the public to get used to the strobe light without the alarm while organized play in these parks has been suspended. The alarm portion of the system will be activated when normal activity resumes at these locations.

This press release was produced by the Village of Bolingbrook. The views expressed here are the author’s own.