Ocean Ridge commissioners recently got their first glance at the proposed fire station at Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park at the Boynton Inlet. Rendering provided
By John Pacenti
As if pulled from the pages of some children’s storybook, the look of the new fire station planned for Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park at the Boynton Inlet was revealed to Ocean Ridge town commissioners at their Oct. 6 meeting.
While sporting a contemporary design, the look and feel of Boynton Beach’s two-story aqua-and-white building is definitely retro. One could imagine lifeguard Ken spending his day there before his big date with Barbie after work.
Boynton Beach Fire Rescue provides service on the barrier island to Ocean Ridge and Briny Breezes.
Fire Chief Hugh Bruder said Station 6 will have three stories and will house an advanced life support fire engine with technical rescue capabilities and the city’s new fire boat — which is supposed to be delivered in November.
The station is badly needed, he said.
“We are averaging, if you look at Coast Guard numbers, one water rescue call per day on all of our waterways, including the inlet and the ocean,” he said.
Bruder emphasized the station will serve Delray Beach and surrounding areas, as well.
“We’re going to be running into Delray, we’re going to be running into South County. We’re going to be running anywhere we’re called to help save a life,” he told The Coastal Star.
The facility will include space — including the boating dock — for the city Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. It features design elements like water-view rest areas for firefighters.
Construction is expected to begin within 90 days, following final approval by the Boynton Beach City Commission. The project is expected to take about 12 months, with projected completion in late 2026.
The only criticism at the meeting came from Ocean Ridge Commissioner David Hutchins, who wasn’t keen on the circle 6 adorning the building.
“Just when I was looking at the Station 6 up there, it kind of reminded me of Motel 6,” he said.
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