October 26, 2021 10:10 a.m.  

Construction is underway at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.

A release said this includes a children’s nature play area, an outdoor amphitheater, a Great Hall and a headwaters feature.

The construction is part of the first phase of the facility’s multi-phase Capital Campaign for improvement. Construction is to be completed by the spring of 2022.

The children’s nature play area will highlight the connection between Oregon’s nature and the timber industry. The play area will feature massive logs, a climbing tower, and a mock river chute, allowing children to engage kinetically with nature. The surrounding grounds will include seating for caregivers and an estuary viewing area.

The outdoor amphitheater will act as a dedicated space for educational programs and ambassador animal presentations. The amphitheater will feature expansive seating to accommodate large groups.

The Great Hall construction will include the renovation of the existing Aquarium lobby and coffee bar and the addition of a moon jelly exhibit. The Great Hall will have a new doorway to streamline foot traffic and provide visitors with a view of the estuary, children’s nature play area and headwaters feature.

The headwaters feature will include a recirculating stream, representing the relationship between watersheds and the ocean. The feature will emphasize the importance of headwaters and the role they play in sustaining Oregon’s coastal communities.

The release said completion of Phase 1 is thanks to contributions from a number of major donors. To learn more about the Capitol Campaign and current progress, go to. www.givetoaquarium.org.