Located just north of Austin, Cedar Park, TX manages more than 40 parks, with Brushy Creek Lake Park serving as one of the city’s most popular destinations.
In May of 2025, the city cut the ribbon on a $1.1 million splash pad renovation which boasted new water features and a new weather safety system designed to keep parkgoers safe when severe weather enters the area.
The Need for Real-Time Lightning Detection at Public Parks
Historically, the splash pad drew thousands of people during the summer, and with Texas ranked among the top states for lightning strikes, Cedar Park needed a solution that could detect lightning and alert families in the area.
“To try to implement Perry Weather here at the splash pad—it was pretty much a no brainer. Especially since we’re not here all the time”
Mike DeVito, Director of Parks and Recreation
Before Perry Weather, city staff had to monitor weather and alert everyone in the area that the severe weather was on its way.
Getting people out of pools and off of the splash pad proved to be an issue, with children wanting to continue to play or parents not trusting the forecast.
“The fact that we were able to integrate Perry Weather using the StormBridge system to just shut down the splash pad completely makes it easy for us to ensure everyone safety”
Mike DeVito, Director of Parks and Recreation
When lightning is detected, StormBridge shuts the splash pad down
To solve this, the city installed StormBridge, Perry Weather’s smart relay switch that connects live weather data directly to the splash pad’s water pump system.
Now, when lightning is detected within a predefined radius, several things happen automatically:
- The splash pad’s water features shut off immediately
- Warning sirens activate to alert families to seek shelter in their cars
- Staff receive real-time notifications and can monitor the system remotely via the Perry Weather app
This seamless integration has not only improved response time, but dramatically reduced the workload on park personnel.
What used to require staff presence and weather interpretation now happens instantly with more precision than any app can provide.
How lightning detection and automation build community trust
For families visiting the splash pad, it offers peace of mind that someone, or rather, something—is always watching the skies.
With automatic shutdowns, siren alerts, and real-time monitoring, the system ensures consistent, instant responses to severe weather conditions.
And for families visiting Bushy Creek Park, that peace of mind makes all the difference.
Bringing Automated Lightning Protection to Your Splash Pad
Want to make your parks safer without increasing staff burden? Perry Weather’s combination of lightning detection, automated splashpad shut-down, and remote monitoring makes it simple.
Request a Demo and learn how your community can benefit from Perry Weather.
