The Berwyn Park District is committed to providing safe, enjoyable spaces for our community. As part of that commitment, we have installed Perry Weather Systems at the athletic fields in Proksa Park and Freedom Park.
These on-site weather stations provide real-time, location-specific weather monitoring to help us make informed decisions about field usage and participant safety. Rather than relying solely on general weather apps or regional forecasts, the system monitors conditions directly at our parks and automatically triggers alerts when weather safety thresholds are met.
How the System Works
The Perry Weather System continuously monitors weather conditions, including lightning, severe storms, air quality, and extreme heat. When conditions reach levels outlined in our safety policies, the system can:
- Send instant mobile notifications to designated staff with step-by-step instructions
- Activate an outdoor siren and visual strobe light at the park
- Allow staff to manually trigger additional alerts if needed
The most common alert the public may hear is the lightning warning.
When lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of the athletic fields, the system will sound an audible alarm and activate a visual strobe light. At that time, all athletic activities must immediately stop, and participants, coaches, officials, and spectators should leave the field and seek shelter in their vehicles.
Activities remain suspended for a minimum of 20 minutes following the last detected lightning strike within the 10-mile radius. If additional lightning is detected during that period, the 20-minute waiting period automatically resets with another alarm. If the 20 minutes pass without an alarm sounding, activities may resume on the athletic fields.
What Neighbors Should Know
If you live near Proksa Park or Freedom Park, you may occasionally hear the outdoor siren during periods of dangerous weather. The siren may be loud and noticeable, but please do not be alarmed.
The siren is not a community emergency warning. It is a safety notification intended for people using the athletic fields and indicates that weather conditions have become unsafe for outdoor activities. The alert helps ensure that participants and spectators can quickly seek shelter when lightning or other hazardous weather conditions are present.
Why This Matters
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during spring and summer athletic seasons. Lightning can strike miles away from a storm, making it difficult to judge risk based on visual observation alone.
By providing immediate, automated alerts, the Perry Weather System allows us to respond quickly and consistently to changing conditions. This helps reduce confusion, supports coaches and program staff, and ensures clear communication when weather-related decisions need to be made.
By investing in this technology, the Berwyn Park District is strengthening its commitment to safe field usage, responsible park management, and the well-being of everyone who visits our parks.
We appreciate the community's understanding as we implement this new system and continue working to keep our parks safe for everyone.
