Study: Brooklyn Park Fire Stations Need Upgrades, More Space
Brooklyn Park is taking a closer look at the city’s four fire stations. A study shows there’s a need for upgrades and more space with the possibility of constructing new buildings. The council reviewed the study conducted by CNH Architects out of Apple Valley at a work session this week.
The study analyzed the current and future needs of the fire department and the four stations. Since the stations were built, there have been changes in best practices for firefighter safety in areas ranging from carcinogen reduction strategies to mental health. Also, in 2021, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department shifted from a paid on-call crew to a full-time staffed station approach. This change prompted a need for each facility to have individual dorms as well as restroom and shower facilities.
Station 1-East: 1707 85th Avenue North
The study says the site and facility is “grossly undersized” and that a potential Highway 252 overpass could increase response times because of blocked access exiting the station. The study determined that “it would be economically and operationally more feasible to build a new fire station on a new site, rather than remodel and expand the existing building.”
Station 2-Central: 5700 85th Avenue North
The study says there are many concerns with Central Fire Station, which includes a lack of space to accommodate vehicles exiting onto 85th Avenue North which could negatively impacting response times due to higher levels of traffic. There are also concerns with this building because it doesn’t have good ventilation and has outdated contamination separation. A space needs analysis says the building needs up to 18,500 square feet of building area or 79 percent of the existing building for individual dorms, decontamination, turnout gear storage, training and command vehicle space. There is also a well house on site that impacts a possible expansion. The study concludes that “it would be economically and operationally more feasible to build a new station on a new site than to remodel and expand the existing building.”
Central Fire Station is seen as the priority above other fire stations because it could support the other stations during their construction projects.
Station 3-West: 7301 West Broadway Avenue North
The study recommends an addition for this station, as well as a remodel. The study says there’s room to expand on site and the building could still be in use during the remodel.
Station 4-North: 9700 Regent Avenue North
The study recommends the fire station have an addition and a remodel as well. Like Fire Station 3, there’s also room to expand on site while the facility is occupied and operational.
You can read the full study here.
