6415 N. Ocean Boulevard, Ocean Ridge
Map It

 
Contact Information

Beach Conditions:  (561) 742-6775

Beach Headquarters:  (561) 742-6565

General Information

Acreage:  12.0

Park Hours:  Sunrise – 11:00 p.m.

Special Information

Parking Fees:  $5 per vehicle May 1 – Nov. 15; $10 per vehicle Nov. 16 – April 30, regardless of residency.

Decal Fees:  Corporate City residents pay $40 per year per decal from Oct. – Sept. Parking permits are issued on an annual basis (valid Oct. 1 – Sept. 30) with issuance beginning in September each year for Corporate City residents (those whom reside within the Corporate City limits and pay taxes to the City of Boynton Beach); Non-residents $90 per year per decal valid May 1 – Nov. 15 (per Code of Ordinances Sec. 16-82). Decals can be purchased at City Hall or the Clubhouse at Intracoastal Park.

Lifeguards are on duty 7-days a week 9:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Parking attendants are on duty 7-days a week 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Special Accommodations:  Beach wheelchairs are available for public use. Anyone with a disability is asked to contact the lifeguards prior to going into the water.

Concessions:  The Sand Dollar Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, snacks, ice cream, and a variety of drinks at affordable prices. Rental of beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys is also available.

 Boardwalk Reopening Celebration Saturday, February 5, 2011:

Sea turtle nesting season is April 1 – October 31. Sea Turtles are an endangered or threatened species, during this time of year keep lights from shining onto the beach. Security or safety lights near the beach must have shades built around the light so the beach is not directly illuminated. Bright lights will disorient hatchlings. DISTURBING A SEA TURTLE NEST IS A VIOLATION OF STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS.

Amenities
BBQ grills, beach, benches, bike rack, concession building, showers, drinking fountain, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, restroom, volleyball court, Atlantic Ocean

Historical Information

In 1921 there existed a municipality know as the Town of Boynton which comprised the lands now contained within the boundaries of the two municipalities now know as the City of Boynton Beach and the Town of Ocean Ridge. In 1921, the Unified Town of Boynton acquired by eminent domain for park and recreation purposes from Lewis S. Howe what is now know as Oceanfront Park.

Oceanfront Park was close to the hotel that was built by Major Boynton in the 1920's. The beach casino was built in 1928, which featured a large dining hall, locker rooms and showers and was used for parties and social gatherings. The casino was torn down in 1967 and the property later became the beach park.

In 1966 by Resolution, the City Commission approved the municipal beach facility to be known as Walter A. Madsen Park, in appreciation of former Mayor, Vice-Mayor and City Councilman Walter A. Madsen.

In the 1970's there were only restrooms and a changing room. In 1983, the dune area was restored, a boardwalk was built, the restrooms and concessions were rebuilt and the parking lot as it is today was rebuilt.

From the 1920's to today, Oceanfront Park has been popular with residents and visitors alike. Many renovations have occurred over the years. In the mid-1990's, the park underwent a major renovation during which the boardwalk was rebuilt out of recycled plastic. Today, 23 years later, the City will be renovating the boardwalk again, replacing the plastic with Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) wood (commonly known as Brazilian Walnut).

The beach was voted the best family beach in Palm Beach County by The Palm Beach Post in 2001.