Bayfront Maritime Center's new leadership is leading the way in involving as many people as possible in maritime programs and education.
The new director of the Maritime Center said Lake Erie should not be a resource that people are barred from accessing, and that he wants everyone in the community to be able to participate.
“Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie should be a regional resource for all of us,” said Bayfront Maritime Center Director Chris Cousson. We want to be that access point because there's not really a way to get up there.”
The Bayfront Maritime Center program is expected to kick into a new gear this year under new leadership.
New director Chris Casson said he hopes to build on some of the pillar programs of the past while working towards the future. That future centers around one of her flagship ships, Porcupine, which has been under construction since 2015.
“We are now refocusing our efforts on redeveloping our efforts for Porcupine and ensuring the success of our program here. “That will be at the heart of every program we do here,” he said.
The new director said programming will focus on several key initiatives rather than specific programs themselves.
These include a long-running Ease program that opens the door to sailing for people with disabilities, a community sailing and rowing program, and even an after-school program for high school students who participate in apprenticeships to gain employment experience. Skills through a marine lens.
Bayfront Maritime Center operates completely independently of organizations like the flagship Niagara League, which has stalled so far this year.
But Casson said nothing should stop us from staying in touch with a regional resource as great as Lake Erie.
“It's not really about the boats. That's not what really defines our program here. It's really about the people and how people connect with themselves and their communities and learn different skills. It's about being able to learn, and in fact, boats are a platform to improve people's lives,” Cousson continued.
Cousson said as things develop, the Maritime Center can open its doors to partners from across the region in the form of volunteers, educators and other organizations, providing new opportunities.
