Daily Herald opinion: Sunset Pool incident shows urgent need for stronger security in public spaces

What happened at Glen Ellyn’s Sunset Pool over the Fourth of July weekend wasn’t just a disturbance — it was a wake-up call.

A crowd of 200 to 300 teens and young adults overwhelmed the facility, many jumping fences, drinking, smoking and even setting off fireworks. One manager was pushed into the water, and the pool was forced to close early.

This wasn’t spontaneous — it was a “teen takeover” organized largely via social media.

For families who rely on public pools as safe places for their children, and for many residents who use the facility for leisure or exercise, this incident is unsettling. Sunset Pool, like many local amenities, is designed to be a space where parents can relax while kids play, or someone can take a class or cool off on a hot day. When that is taken away, the community is left feeling vulnerable and frustrated.

But when unsupervised teens turn these areas into chaotic party zones, causing destruction and fear, everyone’s safety is compromised.

The fact that the crowd largely came from outside the community only heightens frustration.

While Glen Ellyn Park District staff and local police handled the situation responsibly, it’s clear that more preventive measures are needed. This likely won’t be the last time social media is used to mobilize a disruptive crowd.

A similar teen takeover June 14 in Naperville led to the arrest of a 14-year-old boy, who was charged with felony unlawful possession of a weapon. At that event, a large gathering of young people was discovered by police doing extra patrols near Washington Street and Jefferson Avenue. And those extra patrols paid off.

Security at family-oriented facilities must evolve to meet modern risks. That means better perimeter control, more staff who are trained in de-escalation, and the presence of security or police during high-traffic days.

It also means monitoring public social media chatter for hints of large, unsanctioned gatherings.

There should also be clear, visible rules posted at all parks and pools — along with strict enforcement.

Residents deserve to feel confident that public spaces are managed with safety in mind. And teens deserve structured, supervised outlets for summer fun that don’t involve sneaking in or risking a criminal charge.

The Sunset Pool incident didn’t end in tragedy, but it easily could have. Communities shouldn’t wait for a worse outcome before taking action. With the right policies and preparation, Glen Ellyn and other towns can ensure that families feel safe at their favorite summer spots.

Because ultimately, public spaces should be about joy and happiness, not apprehension and fear. Maintaining that balance requires diligence in staying one step ahead of teen takeovers.