Ocean Institute Announces Plans for the Construction of the Seaside Learning Center Opening in the Spring of 2009
DANA POINT, CA, April 10, 2008 - Tim McMahon, Chairman of the Ocean Institute, is pleased to announce the construction of a new learning center which will introduce thousands of school children and public visitors each year to current and emerging topics in the field of oceanography and unique experiences in maritime history.
Plans call for the construction of the Seaside Learning Center to begin as the harbor is dredged this fall. At that time, the Ocean Institute will demolish its current dock that moors the R/V Sea Explorer and the Spirit of Dana Point. The Institute will then dredge around its water line and begin construction.
For over two decades, the existing dock has served as the launching platform for 22,000 students and visitors annually as they prepare to go to sea. Now showing its age, it is essential that the Ocean Institute replace the dock with a much improved, state-of-the-art mooring facility that will secure the Institute’s educational vessels, and most importantly, expand science and maritime history programming for many generations to come.
Specifically, this new Seaside Learning Center will provide the equipment and space for expanded programming focused on ocean science, technology, and maritime history. For example, middle school students in Sea Floor Science programs will study robotic science, acoustic science, aspects of sonar, and engineering during their 18-hour overnight experience. A new Underwater Technology Lab right on the water will incorporate special software and monitors, worktables, transformers, and squid lights, all in a secure, unique lab space where students can explore uses of ocean technology.
Other unique aspects of the new teaching platform of the Seaside Learning Center include replicas of historic maritime equipment. A windlass will let students work in teams to raise anchors, davits will hoist long boats, a capstan will provide learning opportunities in applying force to other elements, and a cargo boom will teach principles of physics. A new boathouse will provide expanded space for boat building, navigational and woodworking classes. A new discovery pool will house and quarantine small marine animals brought ashore by the R/V Sea Explorer, and enable students to monitor and observe local marine life.
McMahon, who is the Senior Vice President at CB Richard Ellis/Retail, is pleased to announce, "The California Coastal Conservancy, having supported the Ocean Institute in two previous capital campaigns, will generously donate $1 million to the project that helps in its mission to provide citizens access to the shore. The Coastal Conservancy serves all Californians and visitors to the state who are interested in enjoying, improving, and protecting the spectacular natural resources of the California coasts. This gift is a great jump start to the campaign."
Ocean Institute President Dan Stetson agrees. "With the California Coastal Conservancy's support, and the support of other generous friends, we plan on building a state-of-the-art facility on the water that matches our facilities on land."
McMahon asks that we all renew our commitment to ensuring the vibrancy of marine science and maritime history for our children and future generations. "We must continually expand our educational programs, both on land and on the water. The Seaside Learning Center is at the center of that vision. Generous support from community leaders has enabled us to build a magnificent educational campus, well known and respected throughout California and beyond. We must now meet the demand for exceptional science programs for more students. The Seaside Learning Center will move the Ocean Institute to the forefront of educational institutions worldwide."
For more information concerning the Seaside Learning Center or to make a donation to the campaign, please contact Bill Burger, Vice President of Development, at 949.496.2274 or bburger@ocean-institute.org.
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