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Port awards EcoCenter lease to Bay Institute Aquarium Foundation in partnership with City College and APRI
Summary
The commission authorized a five-year lease of the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park to the Bay Institute Aquarium Foundation (with City College of San Francisco and APRI as collaborators) at $1 per year; proposers outlined programming for education, workforce pathways and community outreach.
The Port Commission authorized staff to execute a lease (L15771) awarding the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park to the Bay Institute Aquarium Foundation for a five-year term with two two-year options and a nominal rent of $1 per year.
Carol Bach, environmental affairs manager, summarized the RFP process and evaluation. A four-person expert panel evaluated written proposals and interviews and recommended the Bay Institute Aquarium Foundation as the higher-ranked proposer. Commissioners had previously asked staff to explore partnership arrangements; staff reported the Bay Institute, City College of San Francisco and the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) developed a collaborative operations plan and presented it to the Southern Waterfront Advisory Committee, which expressed support.
Representatives described the collaboration's programming: City College will continue hands-on technical training and lab support; APRI will lead targeted community outreach and workforce connections; and the Bay Institute Aquarium Foundation will provide administrative capacity, grant development and broader program growth. Proposed activities include weekly "Science Saturday" public programming, internships, workforce training, community advisory committee governance and targeted outreach to low-income families and schools.
Commissioners praised the collaborative approach and the panel's recommendation; the lease authorization passed by voice vote. Staff said the lease would return for execution authorization at the next meeting and implementation would begin March 1 if approved.
