Safety at Wheeling Park District

The Wheeling Park District recognizes that safety is a top priority for all who visit our parks and facilities. We have placed an emphasis on safety to ensure that you, as park and facility patrons, have a safe, as well as fun, experience.

In order to ensure the safest parks and facilities possible, we need your help. We ask that when you see or hear about vandalism or something that may be unsafe, such as broken playground equipment, or anything else that you feel may be hazardous, please call (847)465-3333.

Please observe all safety rules posted at park sites. Note the age designations on signs for appropriate use of playground equipment. And remember that all parks close at dusk.

Park Vandalism Reward Program

Help the Wheeling Park District stop vandalism in your neighborhood park. Call us with information about the person or persons who vandalize any Wheeling Park District property. This would include the destruction of any property such as vehicles, playground equipment, or landscape materials, the theft of any equipment or materials, any act of arson, and any act of graffiti.

If your information leads to arrest, case resolution and/or restitution, you will be given a reward from $500 to $5000. Your name will be kept confidential.

Thorgard Lightning Prediction and Warning System

Thorguard is a lightning prediction system which measures the amount of electrical charge in the atmosphere and predicts with a high degree of certainty the probability of a lightning strike within a covered area. This system warns guests and staff with a horn and strobe system when a lightning strike hazard is present. Areas served by Thorguard include:

• Traditions at Chevy Chase Golf Course and Clubhouse
• Heritage Park
• The Aquatic Center
• The Community Recreation Center
• Adjacent areas and neighborhoods of the above locations.

The system will be activated for the season on Friday, March 18, 2005. Hours of operation will conform to the specific needs of our facilities, programs, staff and guests involved in golf, baseball/softball, soccer and many other outdoor activities. The Thorguard Lightning Prediction and Warning system will be operational March-November in 2005.

Please keep in mind that this system is intended to warn guests and staff of probable lightning hazards in the area so that lightning-related injuries and deaths can be avoided. Since Thorguard is a lightning prediction system, it is possible for the warning system to be activated even when weather conditions do not seem to indicate lightning is present. Be assured that these warnings are accurate and must be followed to ensure personal safety.

There are two distinct signals sent out by the Thorguard Lightning Prediction and Warning System.

Lightning Warning: A lightning warning is signaled by a high-pitched horn, sounded for 10-15 seconds. Orange strobe lights located at the Community Recreation Center, the Aquatic Center and Heritage Park will also blink, indicating a lightning warning. A lightning warning means that an immediate lightning hazard is present, and safe shelter should be sought immediately (preferably indoors).

All Clear: An All Clear is signaled by three consecutive high-pitched horn blasts, lasting 3-5 seconds each. Orange strobe lights at the Community Recreation Center, the Aquatic Center and Heritage Park will shut off. An All Clear signal means there is no immediate lightning hazard and it is safe to resume normal activities.

If you have any questions about the Thorgard System, please feel free to contact Craig Murphy at (847) 465-7679, or at cmurphy@wheelingparkdistrict.com

Seemore Eagle Eye Program

Seemore is one of the Wheeling Park District mascots. Seemore represents the Eagle Eye Neighborhood Watch Program sponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. This program is an effort to prevent crime and vandalism to our playgrounds and park equipment, to alleviate suspicious activities in our parks, and to promote community involvement.

Look for Seemore to make visits to area schools, park sites, and Park District special events.