ExplorOcean sets sights on future with proposed remodel

NEWPORT BEACH— Tom Pollack, CEO of ExplorOcean, has a wide-eyed, yet realistic vision when it comes to proposed modifications to the educational facility. “It’s a marathon,” Pollack said. “It’s not something where there is a deadline here that we have to raise money by.” Bolstered by a campaign to completely overhaul the center, Pollack and his staff have a goal of becoming the country’s foremost experiential ocean literacy facility. With an Ocean Literacy Academy that focuses on K-12 programs founded in science, technology, engineering, arts and math already in place, the nonprofit has ambitious plans to improve the facility. Among suggested upgrades are the addition of a pair of experiential movie theaters, an 18,000-square-foot community meeting center, the nation’s only deep dive submarine simulator, add-ons to the historic Fun Zone and an expansive event deck for harbor views and entertainment. When complete, ExplorOcean will reportedly serve more than 150,000 students. Pollack’s crown jewel within the design process is his floating classroom and lab. The 7,000-square-foot learning vessel will serve all of Southern California, including children from at-risk communities. On-board students will practice skills in science, technology, engineering and math, Pollack said. With plans to depart from Newport Beach to Catalina Island for camp visits, students will...