New world out on the water
July 9, 2008
THE BOSTON Children's Museum already went green, rebuilding its home as an environmentally sensitive structure that doubles as a learning lab for children. Now it's figuring out how to introduce young visitors to the urban waters of Fort Point Channel, which flow outside the museum's front door.
Turning the channel, a dingy industrial waterway, into an environmental classroom would be a major boost for efforts to reconnect Boston to its waterfront.
Reclaiming the outdoors is "important to childhood," explains Ellen Thompson, the museum's director of visitor education and programs. And there are lessons to teach children about becoming stewards of urban settings that mix steel and concrete with water, plant, and animal life.
One good example of a balance between the natural and the man-made are the museum's green roofs. Covered with plants, they soak up storm water to reduce the runoff that spills into Fort Point Channel.
Now, a design team is working on what the museum's outdoor water exhibits should look like. Early ideas include building docks to let children walk out over the water, a fish farming exhibit, boats, a water taxi, and chances to do water quality tests.
Museum officials are also talking to California artist Ned Kahn about commissioning a work that would mix science and art by reacting to the motion of Fort Point Channel's tides. And there's talk of creating a stage that could - when there were no performances - be converted to a fountain.
Museum officials estimate that the project could be done in two to three years. Once it is, it should provide a sound water education that teaches children not to take their surroundings for granted.
