Erin Weldon
Staff Writer
It’s round, two stories, huge and sits on the end of the beautiful Manhattan Pier overlooking the ocean in all directions. It must be the Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium.
On Oct. 9, the Roundhouse celebrated its 30th anniversary. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages were served, and the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders performed.
Founded in 1979, the Roundhouse Aquarium started out as a bait shop for fishermen in 1922. In 1980 it became a non-profit organization, and in 1991 was torn down and rebuilt.
“The Roundhouse Aquarium organization is run on donations and grants. Tax dollars don’t pay for this,” six-year volunteer and 2007 Costa alumnus Robert McCracken said.
For 30 years, volunteers have served their community and have fulfilled their mission statement by keeping the Roundhouse free of charge, conducting class field trips and educating visitors from near and far.
“The specific and primary purpose is to foster and promote the public study of the oceans, tidelands and beaches of Southern California, and the impact of human population on that environment,” two-year volunteer Sabrina Robert said.
By teaching classes, the volunteers of the Roundhouse make the public aware of the environment and fulfill their mission statement through exhibits all over Southern California. They have taught everywhere from Santa Monica Bay to Palos Verdes.
“Students come on field trips and we hold classes on ocean conservation, pollution and local animals,” Robert said.
At the Roundhouse, students can volunteer and become part of the learning environment by taking care of aquariums and marine animals. At the same time, volunteers discuss the environment and its marine life through training and interaction with visitors.
“We only have six actual staff members and everyone else is a volunteer. We train them and they help with feeding, cleaning and talking to customers,” Robert said.
Many aspects of the Roundhosue attract people: the aquarium, the volunteers, and the location. The location allows the volunteers to teach right on the beach with no hastle.
“The best things are the location and the staff,” Robert said. “It’s cool that we are able to stay open and free to the public in such a beautiful area in Manhattan Beach. The location allows a lot of our classes to be taught right at the beach and draws a lot of tourists.”
The Roundhouse has a large collection of animals including sharks, starfish and other sea creatures. They even have a convenient café outside called the Bohemium Café, which sells refreshments to those who visit the pier.
“We have a lot of cool animals and our tanks are always full,” Robert said.
The Roundhouse is free for people of all ages and provides an educational and fun experience for all who go.
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