The Ocean Institute in Dana Point (
www.ocean-institute.org) dedicated its new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center on Saturday, May 18. The Center is a large dock on which the Institute’s tall ship Spirit of Dana Point and R/V Sea Explorer are moored, and also has facilities to teach children about ocean science and maritime history.
The Seaside Learning Center was over 10 years in the planning, and has been funded in part by the A Mile for Maddie fundraising walk, which preceded the dedication.
Planned Maddie James Seaside Learning Center!
To be built right “on the water,” the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center will introduce thousands of K-12 students and public visitors to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history.
Maddie James Foundation
Maddie’s parents created The Maddie James Foundation to create a legacy for their daughter. Their initial goal was to raise $1 million for the Ocean Institute’s proposed new facilities, and due to an incredible grassroots effort and outpouring of support from the community, they succeeded in just three months.
Visit www.MaddieJamesFoundation.org to learn more about this inspirational story.
NEW
We now have two live cams streaming progress on the new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center.
Cam One >
Cam Two >
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See the model of the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center in our lobby. The model was beautifully crafted by Board Member Jim Swenson, volunteers Charlie and Penny Hohman, and OI staff member Randy Teague.
Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Fact Sheet
- $4M Capital Campaign
- Project includes a 300’ Ocean Science Landing, replacing an existing 1970’s vintage dock, and a 100’ Historic Maritime Pier
- 300’ Ocean Science Landing
- Offers several learning stations including: biodiversity aquarium, underwater remote controlled vehicle (ROV), grow-out pen for raising white sea bass
- Mooring for R/V Sea Explorer and Spirit of Dana Point as well as space for visiting ships
- 100’ Historic Maritime Pier
- Offers several learning stations including: davits and long boat, boom crane, capstan, yard and sail
- Currently the Ocean Institute serves 115,000 K-12 students and public visitors annually
- This will increase by 15,000+
- Seaside Learning Center will be available to everyone
- ADA compliant
- Interpretive signage to support various levels of understanding
- Activities and information for people of all ages
- Construction has begun
For more information, please contact
Kajsa James; (949) 496-2274 x 415
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For additional information on the Ocean Institute, visit the Institute’s website or call (949) 496-2274.
Jim Graves
