Construction Progress
Phase 1: Entry & Café Remodel, Construction of Outdoor Features
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is thrilled to announce that its new Nature Play Area, Outdoor Amphitheater, and headwaters feature are now open to the public!
Visitors can now balance upon massive leaves, inspect animal tracks, climb a rope tower, and catch a bird’s-eye view from a faux eagle’s nest at the Nature Play Area, all while enjoying the scenes of Yaquina Bay and the babbling melody of the nearby headwaters feature; just down the path you’ll find our Outdoor Amphitheater, a dedicated space for educational programs where guests can meet the Aquarium’s cast of animal ambassadors. Be sure to check out our new interactive signage as you traverse through each of these new sections, both on the main path and on our estuary decks!
Other new features part of this phase include our new Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations! These stations feature J1772 plugs and can charge up to six vehicles at once. Special thanks to the City of Newport and the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County who helped make this possible. See our parking map for location details.
These projects, alongside the construction of a new admissions annex and lobby renovations, comprise the first phase of the Aquarium’s multi-phase Capital Campaign. While café renovations continue, you can view our newly renovated lobby & newly installed jelly tank.
Phase 2: Indoor Gallery Renovation
Phase 2 of our Capital Campaign will begin fall 2023. This phase focuses on the improvement of our indoor galleries. Includes the finished Indo-Pacific Coral Reef tank and outdoor pond renovation.
Learn more about all that is to come!
Phase 3: Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Phase 3 of our Capital Campaign will begin in 2024. This phase focuses on the construction of a dedicated space for marine wildlife rehabilitation and treatment, as well as a resource for students in related fields.
Learn more about all that is to come!
How We Got Here
Construction made possible with contributions from: The Roundhouse Foundation, State of Oregon, Anonynous, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Starker Forests Inc., Jim Pattison/Roth's Fresh Markets, The Sunderland Foundation, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Robert & Sharon Miller, Marcia H. Randall Foundation, Jeanette Bertea Hennings Foundation, Al M. Gleason, Ann J. & William Swindells Fund, John & Nancy Dennis Family, Christine & David Vernier, Ray Hickey Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Marta & Ken Thrasher, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, Hillman Family Foundations, Schlesinger Family Foundation, Hearst Foundations, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, and more.
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