Donning hardhats, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter; Sterling Neblett, Citgo Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex Vice President and General Manager; and Allyson Montgomery, Children’s Museum of SWLA Representative, came together to announce and celebrate Citgo’s $1 million commitment to the development of Port Wonder.

The $20 million-plus lakefront development project was first announced in 2018. This development will serve as an educational and entertaining space for families, local or visiting, to explore. It will be the new home for the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Nature Center. 

It was a priority to ensure the Port Wonder development was “a true public-private partnership,” said Hunter. “We knew that we didn’t want it to just be taxpayer dollars making this happen.

“Port Wonder is a much anticipated lakefront development that simply would not be possible without the support of a number of private donors,” he said. “The Citgo roots in our community run deep and they have been an incredible community partner to the city of Lake Charles for decades. Their financial support of Port Wonder will help ensure a world class attraction on our lakefront and a state-of-the-art educational experience for generations to come.”

Hunter said the donation from Citgo has helped the project reach a “fully funded” status. 

For Citgo, investing in STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math) education is vital. 

“At Citgo, we are committed to providing a clear pathway to STEP education for our students which, ultimately, molds the next generation of talent for our community,” said Neblett. “Our goal is to increase access to STEM-related educational opportunities, including Port Wonder and our Citgo Innovation Academies.”

“We think this addition right here is a great enhancement to what we are already doing, and we are so excited to be a part of Port Wonder and what this means for the STEM programs in the area and for Southwest Louisiana in general.”

Port Wonder will not only serve as an educational experience, but also as a getaway for families. “It offers a safe place for children to come with their families and interact in an environment that is like no other in our community,” said Montgomery. “We grow and show the community a real children’s museum… It will be our shining star and sunshine on the lakefront for years to come.”

Participants were able to get a bird’s-eye view of the construction that is currently happening on the Lakefront. The rehabilitation of the parking garage, as well as the site work for Port Wonder, are currently underway.

For Hunter, this view is reassurance that progress is finally being made. “Every time I drive by this location… it’s just another reminder that this is real,” he said. “This is not a dream. It’s not a pie-in-the-sky fantasy anymore.”

The revitalization of the parking garage is also grounds for celebration. “We’re excited to show the community this space and its current state for really the last time,” said Hunter. “I will just remind everybody that this parking garage has been a bit of a thorn in the side of this community over the last few years.”

The current work on the parking garage is primarily interior. This includes the rebricking of elevator shafts and stairwells, repainting of beams, and running of new conduit. The condition of the lakefront parking garage is structurally sound. 

Currently, materials for the project are being procured and equipment is being mobilized. Yea 

“We want to remind the general public that this is an active construction site,” said Hunter. “So, please don’t visit the interior right now. We’ll be able to show you the finished project very soon.”