Margie Wilhelmi
Director of Marketing, Wheaton Park District
630-510-4984 | [email protected]

Wheaton Park District Expands Public Safety Efforts with Accessible AED Program

WHEATON, IL – As part of its ongoing commitment to safety and emergency preparedness, the Wheaton Park District has recently installed publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at seven park locations throughout the community.

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers a life-saving electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Easy to use by anyone, even without medical training, AEDs dramatically increase survival rates and give our park communities the power to act fast when every second counts.

The initial sites selected for the installations were identified based on athletic programming volume, general park use, and the availability of power infrastructure. Devices are installed at the following locations. 

Atten Park
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)
Briar Patch Park
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)
Central Athletic Complex
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)
Central Park
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)
Graf Park
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)
Northside Park
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)
Seven Gables Park
View installation: Photo (jpg) | Map (pdf)

The AED cabinets were intentionally selected to automatically contact 911 when opened, helping expedite emergency response while also deterring vandalism. The units are available seasonally from April through October, weather permitting, and are periodically inspected by Parks Department staff to ensure they remain operational.

“Providing safe environments for recreation extends beyond maintaining our parks and facilities. We are investing in the well-being of everyone who visits our parks. In an emergency, access to an AED and quick action can save lives. We encourage coaches, participants, spectators, and all park visitors to familiarize themselves with these locations and share this lifesaving information with others,” said Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Wheaton Park District.

This effort complements the District’s recently implemented Perry Weather monitoring system, which delivers timely lightning alerts and return-to-play notifications to support safer outdoor recreation. AEDs are also available at all Wheaton Park District-operated buildings and facilities. Additional outdoor AED locations are being evaluated and will continue to be added when feasible. Together, these resources help create safer environments for recreation and demonstrate the District’s continued commitment to the well-being of everyone who lives, plays and gathers in Wheaton.

For more information and to view parks specific AED locations, visit the list of parks page on the Park District website. 

wheatonparkdistrict.com/parks/list-of-parks

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For more information about Wheaton Park District, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.

an AED installed a park pavilion near trash cans and picnic tables

Pictured: Seven Gables Park equipped with new AED system.