Plan: Public Outreach

A project of this nature receives extensive review from numerous agencies; it is not surprising for changes in design and implementation to occur along the way. The Exploratorium kept the public informed and maintained public dialogue with stakeholders throughout the process. Some of the ways we communicated are listed below:

• Interest Group Interviews:  The Exploratorium conducted preliminary interviews with representatives of interested groups to determine the level of awareness and understanding about the project, and to provide the beginning of a list of interested people with whom we remained in contact throughout the entitlements process. Early input and consideration of potential issues helped frame the exhibits and topics at later public meetings.

• Public Meetings: The Exploratorium held several community meetings while the design of the project was being developed. We publicized the public meetings with media and outreach via the Internet; via mailed or distributed public meeting invitations; and via collateral material sent to waterfront interest groups, local officials, employers, civic organizations, and homeowner associations.

• Web site and Virtual Open House: While the Port posted documents and meeting announcements on its own Web site, the Exploratorium supplemented and enhanced this flow of information on this project-specific Web site where we could solicit public input and comment via the Internet.