Marked by a landmark tower, reminiscent of the historic lighthouse that once stood at the south end of the park, the two-story, 10,689 square-foot facility will accommodate the functional needs of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue lifeguard staff with office space, a training room, a lounge, male/female lockers, a weight room, restrooms, a beach observation station, a 23-car parking lot and a 5-bay garage for storing lifeguard vehicles and equipment. The ground floor lobby will be open to the public, showcasing displays and memorabilia on the history of lifeguarding, as well as current efforts and accomplishments. There will also be a conference room that will be available for public meetings and educational classes, including Miami-Dade Parks Jr. Lifeguard and Ocean Awareness programs.

In October 2003 the County transitioned the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department's lifeguards to the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, who also specialized in lifesaving and safety issues. The group emerged as the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department's new Ocean Rescue Bureau. Since then the bureau has grown to include 95 employees and patrols Miami-Dade's public beaches, Crandon Park and Haulover Beach, 365 days a year. In 2006 the bureau was awarded Beach Patrol of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.

"The relationship that we have with Miami-Dade Parks is cohesive," said Bob Maler, Chief for MDFR's Ocean Rescue Bureau. "Our lifeguards patrol the beach and provide lifesaving functions and the park staff helps move the lifeguard towers in the event of a hurricane and also helps keep the beach clean."  

Designed by RJ Heisenbottle Architects of Coral Gables, the building will reflect the Streamline Moderne Style of Art Deco that is prevalent along the Atlantic Coast of South Florida. The project is part of a development and beautification plan for Haulover Park, and will be funded with $2,287,806.91 in Building Better Communities Bonds. 

"This premier facility will not only create one central location that houses all of our areas, but will make us more visible to the public," said Maler.

This new Haulover Park Ocean Rescue facility is slated for completion in March 2012. It will replace the current headquarters, consisting of a 1,500 square-foot office, built in the 1950's, along with a supplemental trailer and storage containers. 

For directions to the groundbreaking ceremony, or information about upcoming activities and events at Haulover Park, call 305-940-6719, or visit the Miami-Dade Parks' web site at www.miamidade.gov/parks.

About Haulover Park:
Haulover Park, of the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation system, is touted as one of South Florida's most beautiful beaches. A mile and a half stretch of pristine white sand shores, beautifully landscaped sand dunes and open ocean surf, make it the ideal spot for sun-bathing, swimming or surfing. The entire beach is guarded by trained lifeguards, who will inform beach patrons of existing weather and surf conditions. Park visitors can enjoy the array of amenities, including shaded picnic facilities, seaside concessions, sundries/kite shops, a full-service marina and six lighted tennis courts.

About the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department:
The third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land, Miami-Dade Parks is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open-the USTA's fifth largest tennis tournament; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.

About the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department:
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department has grown into one of the top ten largest fire-rescue departments in the United States staffed by more than 2,550 employees; of which, more than 2,100 are uniformed firefighters. MDFR has 64 fire-rescue stations within unincorporated Miami-Dade County and serves 30 municipalities. Throughout the 1,883 square-mile territory it serves, MDFR operates 132 rescue, suppression, and specialty units 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, providing emergency rescue aid to more than 1.7 million residents and visitors.