1 July 17, 2025
The Honorable Amy Howorth
Mayor
City of Manhattan Beach
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Dear Mayor Howorth,
First and foremost, thank you for your continued support of Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (OTS) and our stewardship of the iconic Roundhouse Aquarium. Your commitment to this beloved landmark has helped it remain a place of inspiration, education, and community pride.
The Roundhouse Aquarium has become a center for hands-on marine science education, community engagement, and global outreach. Since the completion of its renovation in 2018, the Roundhouse Aquarium has welcomed and served more than 1,100,000 guests and students. These visitors have engaged in our interactive exhibits and participated in immersive learning programs focused on the importance of the ocean and the marine life that inhabits Santa Monica Bay. A substantial portion of these guests also contribute to the local Manhattan Beach economy—shopping, dining, and enjoying services offered by nearby businesses, making the Aquarium not only an educational cornerstone but also an important economic driver for the city.
Our top priority is maintaining the Roundhouse Aquarium as a first-class destination, with engrossing exhibits that educate the public. Maintaining the Aquarium in pristine condition requires ongoing care, particularly given its location in a marine environment. To ensure that the Aquarium remains safe, functional, and impactful, we must proactively invest in its infrastructure and systems.
To help us address these needs, OTS respectfully requests that the City of Manhattan Beach consider an annual allocation of $110,000 for each of the next three years to support repairs and maintenance of the Roundhouse Aquarium. The requested funds would be used solely for repair, maintenance and replacement as needed of tanks, exhibits, displays and life support systems. This investment is essential to preserving the facility, safeguarding our marine exhibits, and continuing the delivery of meaningful experiences for our visitors from Manhattan Beach and around the world.
We believe that this investment in the Roundhouse aligns with the City’s values and priorities—and with the deep affection that our residents and visitors hold for this iconic space. Your support will help ensure that the Roundhouse remains a cherished public resource for generations to come.
Thank you for your consideration and for your leadership in preserving one of Manhattan Beach’s most treasured assets.
Respectfully,
Hillel Cohn Grace Adams
Chairman of the Board Executive Director
Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc.