LTHS Bleachers Have Safety Issues: Inspector

LA GRANGE, IL – A Lyons Township High School parent was worried about the safety of the bleachers in the school's Vaughan Gym.

So she sought inspections of the seating through a public records request. An independent inspector's recent report indicated issues.

In an email to Patch, parent Kathryn Olchawa said she became concerned about safety when she attended a wrestling match in late November in the Vaughan Gym on North Campus.

She said she noticed no walkways or handrails.

"People were climbing over one another, trying their best to steady themselves while trying to maneuver these large steps," Olchawa said. "But what stood out to me the most was a young child having to clear a walkway of people for his elderly grandfather to be able to get down from the bleachers, and something in my heart told me this was unsafe."

In an email, school spokeswoman Mary Lin Muscolino said no code violations exist. The bleachers, she said, are up to code based on when the school bought and installed them.

Muscolino, however, said the inspection included recommended updates, which are commonly included in such reports.

"Repairs are made as needed to ensure safety and continued use as they are frequently utilized for District functions," she said.

In a statement, Brian Stachacz, director of business services, said the school planned to address the issues in upcoming building improvement projects.

"We take the safety of our facilities seriously, and are currently within the State of Illinois Code with regards to the bleachers being discussed," Stachacz said.

Darien-based Bleacher America Inc. issued an inspection report in August.

According to the report, the Vaughan Gym bleachers lack center aisles and handrails, as required under current codes. The Fieldhouse also has no handrails in a number of places.

In the Vaughan Gym, debris and sports equipment were found behind bleachers, the report said. The inspector said bleachers should be cleaned after every use to reduce damage to the understructure.

In both venues, guardrails, which are at the edges of bleachers, have issues, the report said. The inspector recommended that code-compliant guardrails be installed.

In general, the inspector said the seating systems are in fair to good condition.