A sports dome in suburban Rockford was no match for last night’s winter storm. According to the Hononegah School District in Rockton, Illinois, a large sports dome on the campus of the high school collapsed during Monday night’s winter storm.
In a statement on the district’s website, the dome “deflated rapidly” during the storm. “First responders and administration were on the scene immediately to assess the situation and determined that no one was inside the dome when it deflated. Air structure professionals and insurance adjusters will begin assessing the damage as soon as possible. Once the damage has been determined, future structural decisions will be made.”
An article in the Beloit Daily News quotes Assistant Superintendent Kim Suedbeck saying the collapse happened at 4pm and “there is no salvaging the dome.”
The story is a familiar one to Quad Citians. In February, the St. Ambrose Dome on Brady Street collapsed after a heavy snowfall. Efforts to raise the dome were slowed as black mold was found in the structure. In October, it was announced that the new dome would incorporate a different material and cabling system, making it more climate friendly. Huntley also said the new dome will be cleaner and nicer looking for the community to look at.
Back in Rockton, contingency plans are in the works to determine how alternative physical education spaces and athletic/community events will be handled.
