Perry Weather Lightning Detection System
The Park Ridge Park District is replacing Thor Guard with Perry Weather Lightning Detection System.
The Park District’s current lightning detection system, Thor Guard L75 model, consists of four (4) main bases, each controlling remote sensors across the district; a total of 17 units. ThorGuard has discontinued manufacturing and servicing the L75 model, leaving the Park District without access to replacement parts or technical support. As the equipment approaches end-of-life, the District has been experiencing increasing reliability concerns that may affect safety and weather monitoring across our parks. District staff researched various options, and recommended replacing the Thor Guard system with the Perry Weather Lightning Detection System. At the December 18, 2025 Board Meeting, the Park Board approved the purchase of this system.
Perry Weather is a trusted system used nationwide and has become widely adopted by other park districts. By providing accurate, site-specific weather data and streamlined communication tools, the system will strengthen our ability to make informed operational decisions during changing weather conditions. This investment enhances reliability, modernizes our safety practices, and helps ensure a safer environment for participants, spectators, and staff across all outdoor programs and facilities. A total of 17 units will be installed to monitor real-time conditions including lightning, wind, precipitation, air quality, and heat stress using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) technology. This advanced system provides automated alerts with clear, actionable instructions aligned with our established safety policies. It also supports compliance with heat and lightning safety protocols and includes the capability to broadcast public address (PA) announcements when necessary.
Perry Weather is scheduled to begin installation of the new units in April. Once fully installed and operational, in subsequent years, the system will be active from April 1 - December 1.