Wilmette’s rec center takes $250,000+ in damage from sprinkler-system accident

The Wilmette Community Recreation Center is open but a portion of the facility remains off limits two weeks after the sprinkler system caused extensive damage to the building.

According to the Wilmette Fire Department, a sprinkler head on the rec center’s second floor was damaged on May 22 causing the system to activate and release an estimated 500 gallons of water in the building at 3000 Glenview Road.

JP McNamara, the park district’s communications manager, said the system was triggered during an after-school program when a writing utensil contacted the sprinkler head.

The water caused more than $250,000 in estimated damage, McNamara said, adding that the total cost of the damage is “still under assessment.” Flooring, ceiling tiles, equipment, furniture and more were impacted in several multi-purpose and activity rooms on the building’s east side, he said.

Water continually poured from the system for several minutes even after the water was shut off, said Brian Lambel, fire chief of Wilmette.

All rec-center programming on May 22, the date of the incident, when the building was also evacuated, was canceled, according to park district messages. The building reopened May 23 in a limited capacity.

McNamara said damage to equipment caused the outright cancelation of certain programs, such as ceramics and spin classes, while other programs were relocated to non-affected rooms in the building.

The park district refunded users enrolled in canceled programs.

He added that while cleanup is “progressing rapidly,” as of press time (Thursday, June 5), visitors to the recreation center, especially the Center Fitness Clubs, are asked to avoid certain entryways.

“We’re working closely with our insurance provider as we continue to assess damage and our contractors to ensure the facility’s safety during remediation,” McNamara said in an email.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.