Melbourne Considers Fire Station at Jimmy Moore Park After Resident Concerns

Melbourne city officials are considering building a new fire station at Jimmy Moore Park after rejecting the location last year, according to a city update. The current fire station at North Wickham Road and Sarno Road, built in 1965, is too small and outdated to meet future needs. The proposed new station would be 18,525 square feet and two stories tall, but residents previously opposed the plan due to fears of losing park space and access to the popular recreation area. A community meeting is set for Monday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue, to address concerns about the project.

The city council voted against the Jimmy Moore Park location in July 2025 after residents raised objections. Council members cited worries about the building’s size, noise, and the loss of green space. Now, with other potential sites deemed too expensive, officials are exploring ways to build the station without sacrificing too much park acreage. The current fire station is 3,167 square feet and one story, a size that city officials say will not suffice as population and emergency response demands grow.

Residents who spoke against the plan last year emphasized the park’s role as a neighborhood gathering spot. Some worried the new station would block pathways or reduce available space for children’s play areas and sports fields. City staff, including the city manager and attorney, will be present at the meeting to answer questions about potential compromises, such as building height, noise mitigation, and preserving as much green space as possible.

The city has not yet decided to proceed with the Jimmy Moore Park location. Officials said other options explored so far have proven too costly, leaving the park as the most viable alternative. The meeting will focus on addressing the concerns raised in 2025, though no decision is expected at the event. City manager documents show the fire station project is a priority, but officials are seeking input to find a solution that balances public safety and community preferences.