Community Recreation Center – Restoration Project

On Thursday, May 22 a sprinkler head was accidentally triggered during an afterschool program on the second floor of the Community Recreation Center (CRC).

The sprinkler system’s activation automatically set off the fire alarm and the building’s fire suppression system. First responders arrived quickly, and the building was safely evacuated. There was no fire or immediate danger, but the sprinkler caused significant water damage in the fifteen to twenty minutes while it was on.

The damage was concentrated to the east side of the building on both the second and first floors. ServPro and Wilmette Park District staff are actively managing clean-up and remediation efforts. Here’s a summary of the affected areas:

Second Floor: Several multi-purpose rooms experienced water exposure, damaging select furnishings and equipment. Flooring in various areas, including carpet and hard surfaces, is undergoing removal or drying. Specialized fitness rooms and ceramics art studios were also affected.

First Floor: Large activity rooms and office spaces sustained damage primarily to ceiling tiles, flooring, and lower wall sections. Common areas, including the lobby, experienced carpet and furniture damage.

A wide range of programs were impacted, primarily through room relocations. Most programs could continue in alternative spaces, but a few requiring specific studio equipment, like ceramics and spin classes, have been canceled.