|
Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes
Bill Austin
|
Marine Science Center Reopens Its Doors
Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes
As the doors flew open and the first visitors filled
the entrance, it became clear that efforts to resurrect the Poulsbo Marine
Science Center went well beyond the public’s expectations.
Two years and two months after community members first met to discuss
its future and one activist took the reins to fight for its survival –
the results of Phase 1 were awe-inspiring. While earlier fundraisers heightened
citizens’ awareness of its plight and several folks went to work
toward forming the necessary partnerships crucial to restoring a world-class
marine science facility, the plan was never clear in the beginning.
We didn’t know how or who was going to come together until it happened
- kind of like jumping out of an airplane and hoping you fall on something
soft. It wasn’t easy either, if it was anyone could have done it,”
said Bill Austin, President of Bight of Poulsbo and a founding member
of the newly formed Poulsbo Marine Science Foundation (PMSF).
Austin has been called ‘Neptune in painter pants’ wielding
a brush in place of an enchanted 3-pronged trident, possessing Olympian
metabolism and far greater than human endurance to pull off such an effort.
“I’d never done anything like this, neither had anyone else
I knew. Then Doug Maraist, a Poulsbo architect who took part in the original
building plans, told me about Scott Horner of BIOS, LLC who had built
these before,” explained Austin.
“I met him, and the guy was so genuine, enthusiastic, knowledgeable,
donating his time and there is no way we could have done this without
him. He knew suppliers, had worldwide connections, and had been involved
in some really major projects – Monterey, Seattle Aquarium, and
a host of others.”
BIOS, LLC, was the Exhibit Designer for the Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary Visitor Center conducting the design development phase of the
exhibit funded in part by a $1.335 million grant from the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2006. The firm is located in
the San Juan Building 900 Winslow Way East Suite 250 Bainbridge Island,
WA 98110, telephone 206-842-3466 and email design@bios-design.com.
“All along the way, I kept running into people that said YES, there
were so many donors and without all of them this wouldn’t, no, couldn’t
have happened,” added Austin. The group and city officials struggled
for months to come up with a viable plan and lease agreements that would
work to sustain the Center.
While several cash donations came in, it wasn’t until Representative
Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo) championed a request from the legislature
for a two-year $250,000 annual grant to jump-start the transformation
that plans could go forth. Senator Phil Rockefeller (D-Bainbridge Island)
supported the request in the Senate and the first year was fully funded.
In the second year, the request fell short by $100,000 much to the dismay
of the group who had worked so hard to come this far.
“You can liken this first phase to creating an Aston-Martin with
Ford Escort money,” joked Austin.
Donations can be made directly to the Poulsbo Marine Science Foundation,
a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, at any Bank of America branch, at the center,
or call Bill Austin at 360-779-3080.
The construction witnessed by so many over the May 18-19 Viking Fest weekend
was just the physical part of Phase 1. The permits are being sought for
the remaining construction, life support systems have to be completed,
the chemistry balanced, and then the sea critters can be added to the
exhibits.
The lobby contains a running waterfall bordering a saltwater tank resembling
a natural estuary. Tanks ready to house a live octopus and open aquariums
will afford the opportunity to touch or come into closer contact with
some of the marine life.
Classrooms are remodeled and an entire restoration of the flooring, walls,
and other structures were completed. A mural will soon be painted above
the open aquariums and more signage will accompany the displays.
Even to the casual observer, it was clear that this was quite a feat.
So, take a bow Mr. Austin, the town is giving you a standing ovation.
Originally published is the June 2007 issue of
Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal 
|
