Weather

Weather Cancellation Policy

Park Ridge Park District's programs and special events may be cancelled due to severe weather conditions. Even though programs may be cancelled, some Park District facilities will remain open unless otherwise posted.

The Park Ridge Park District Preschool and various school age classes may close in conjunction with Park Ridge-Niles School District 64’s snow days. The Park District does not always follow school cancellations for extreme temperatures as our participants do not take a bus and most often do not walk to attend classes.

It is our goal to update the status of any program or special event at least one hour before it’s scheduled start. In the event of any last minute weather changes, the website will be updated and staff will take all measures to communicate updated information to our participants.

Facility Status


Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System

Your safety is our top priority. Our parks, athletic fields, pools, golf and baseball facilities, outdoor parks and property are protected by Thor Guard from April 1 to November 1. The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System consists of sensors within the City of Park Ridge that measure electrostatic charges at ground level and in the atmosphere. When conditions indicate that a lightning occurrence is probable, alarm horns provide an 8-12 minute warning to clear areas and seek shelter.

The alarm horns are at Maine East High School, North Park, Northwest Park (Franklin School), Oakton Pool, Woodland Park, Ni-Ridge Park, Jefferson/Emerson School site, Hodges Park, Northeast Park (Field School), Maine Park, Carpenter School, Hinkley Park, Centennial Park (Lincoln/Washington Schools), Maine South High School, South Park (Roosevelt School), Jaycee Park, Brickton Park, and Southwest Park.

System Guidelines

One Long Blast...Seek Cover Fast!
Three Short Sounds...Safe to Be Around.

  1. Warning Horn will sound a 15 second blast when a potentially dangerous weather situation is approaching. Clear the field immediately and seek proper shelter.
  2. Wait for the All Clear (3 short blasts). If no all-clear signal sounds after 20 minutes, cancel the event.
  3. Lead by example. All adults should also clear the field.

Thor Guard operates 6:00am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week.

You can monitor Thor Guard's warning system located at four Park District locations right from your computer or smart phone.  

Click for Status

Caution

The Thor Guard System helps assess the conditions. Neither the signal nor the system is intended to guarantee that conditions are safe. If the weather is threatening and no warning signal is heard or seen, use good judgment and clear the park. Do not wait for the warning signal to activate, as the system can malfunction.


Unsure About the Weather?

If severe weather conditions are apparent, please call the appropriate facility or the Park District main office at 847-692-5127 one hour before the start of the program or event for cancellation information.


Warming/Cooling Shelters

The Centennial Activity Center, located at 100 S. Western Ave., is a temporary warming shelter during severe cold weather and a cooling center during extreme heat conditions.