Town of Davie installs new lightning monitoring and alert systems at parks to improve resident safety

Davie, Florida – The Town of Davie has introduced new lightning monitoring and alert systems at several parks and recreational facilities as part of an effort to improve safety for residents, visitors and park staff during severe weather conditions.

The new Perry Weather lightning detection and alert systems use high-precision weather data to help identify dangerous lightning activity and provide timely warnings when outdoor activities need to be paused. Town officials said the technology will allow park users and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts team to make faster and more informed decisions when storms approach.

Lightning can create serious risks for people participating in outdoor activities, especially at sports fields, courts and other open areas. Through the new system, alarms will automatically notify park visitors when lightning is detected nearby, allowing them to seek shelter and wait until conditions improve.

The system is designed to provide multiple forms of notification. When lightning is detected in the area, warning signals will activate through horns, strobe lights and audible announcements. The technology can also deliver text-to-speech messages over public address systems and send instant alerts through the Town of Davie website, keeping residents updated about weather-related dangers and when it is safe to return outdoors.

The first phase of the project focuses on active recreation parks with lighted court spaces. Town officials said the upgrades represent an important investment in protecting residents and visitors while enhancing safety measures throughout the community.

The new lightning detection equipment has been installed at several locations across Davie, including Bamford Sports Complex at 3801 S. Pine Island Road, Betty Booth Roberts Park at 4200 SW 61st Avenue, Davie Golf Club at 8201 Nova Drive, Driftwood Park at 3300 NW 77th Avenue, Potter Park at 4300 SW 57th Terrace, Shenandoah Park at 14601 SW 14th Street, Waterford Park at 15090 S. Waterford Drive and Waverly Park at 6625 Hawkes Bluff Avenue.

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At each participating location, the system is designed to automatically respond when lightning activity creates a potential threat. Park visitors will receive clear signals indicating when they should stop activities and when they can safely continue.

According to the Town, a warning alert consists of six five-second horn blasts, along with an audible message and flashing strobe lights. This signal indicates that lightning danger has been detected in the area and that outdoor activities should be suspended.

Once the weather conditions improve and the threat has passed, the system will issue an all-clear signal. This notification includes three short horn blasts and an audible “all clear” message informing park users that activities may resume. The strobe lights will turn off after the all-clear signal is activated.

In addition to the automated alerts at parks, residents can access real-time weather information through the Town of Davie’s website. The online resource provides weather forecasts, radar information and lightning strike timers to help visitors stay aware of changing conditions. Park users can also scan QR codes displayed at facilities to quickly access weather updates.

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Town officials said the new systems are intended to provide another layer of protection while allowing residents to continue enjoying outdoor spaces with greater confidence. Parks and recreational facilities regularly host sports, community programs and activities that can be affected by sudden weather changes, making quick communication especially important.

The installation of the Perry Weather systems reflects Davie’s continued focus on public safety and improving services at community facilities. By combining advanced weather technology with automatic alerts, the Town aims to reduce risks and provide residents with reliable information during thunderstorms.

Residents seeking additional information about the lightning monitoring systems or park safety measures can contact the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department at 954-327-3941 or email [email protected]. Weather alerts and updates are also available online through the Town’s lightning information page.