Sprinkler System Accident Causes $250K In Damage At Wilmette Rec Center: Report

WILMETTE, IL — A sprinkler system accident caused $250,000 in damages to Wilmette's Community Recreation Center after releasing 500 gallons of water in the building, according to a report.

The Wilmette Fire Department told The Record North Shore that a sprinkler head on the second floor of the rec center was damaged on May 22, which caused the system to activate erroneously. According to officials, the system was triggered during an after-school program when a writing utensil hit the sprinkler head.

Since the accident, the rec center has remained open, but a portion of the facility remains off limits. A spokesperson from the Wilmette Park District said the total cost of the damage is still under assessment.

Flooring, Ceiling tiles, equipment and furniture were impacted in several rooms on the building's east side. Due to extensive damage, certain programs were canceled and others were re-located. Those enrolled in canceled programs were refunded, officials said.

“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,” officials said to The Record.

Read more from The Record North Shore: Wilmette’s rec center takes $250,000+ in damage from sprinkler-system accident