At a time when the Poulsbo Marine Science Center is vital and actively growing its programs, it is unwise to give away any of its space.

As reported in the Sept. 5 North Kitsap Herald, a proposal is being considered to house a maritime museum of the Poulsbo Historical Society in some of the Marine Science Center’s space.

The Herald reported that an “interlocal” agreement would allow the Historical Society to use a classroom and “brick porchway” with its own entrance in exchange for the $404.80 monthly rental fee for the floating lab. The rental value of the proposed space for the Historical Society is far beyond $404.80 per month and would shrink space currently in use by the science center for its programs.

The Science Center maintains 10 aquarium tanks with one more under construction and more in conception. The tanks, children’s creative area and theater are key elements of public benefit of the Science Center.

The classroom space, theater and floating lab are used for the Science Center’s education program in cooperation with local school districts. A new Early Education Program for preschoolers has recently been opened at the Science Center. Operation and maintenance of the tanks and displays requires a significant amount of space. Science Center volunteer have special training and knowledge. If anything, the Science Center will need more, rather than less, space in the future.

The Science Center has been a growing part of the attractions in downtown Poulsbo since its reopening in 2006. The number of tanks and programs has increased since that time. Attendance and donations have steadily grown as word spreads, and can be expected to continue to grow. As a docent I have met visitors from Asia, Europe, Africa as well as all areas of the United States in just the past year.

I strongly encourage the city the port to carefully reconsider any agreement that would compromise the contributions that the Science Center makes to the Poulsbo.

Dave Haley
Indianola