Thursday marked the beginning of two new seasons. It was the first day of spring and the day Port Wonder opened its doors for the first time.

On a sunny, cloudless day, people representing the many stakeholders who worked collaboratively to bring the museum to life gathered on the lakefront lawn to celebrate Port Wonder with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The wave-shaped, 32,000 square-foot building broke ground in 2021. On the outside of the building is a fishing pier, outside play areas, the scenic Lakefront Boardwalk Promenade, and the Cypress Alligator Pond. On the inside is the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center.

The completion of the project is a “long time coming,” Mayor Nic Hunter said. Construction began four years ago, but behind-the-scenes collaboration began in 2018.

The project cost $20 million-plus to construct and funding was secured through public-private partnerships. Hunter said it took an alliance of dozens of stakeholders to get Port Wonder “across the finish line.” He called the effort the most expansive one in Lake Charles’ history.

“I was worried that the intricate quilt and funding that we had put together may falter. I was worried due to economic constraints that someone, some agency, some company might have to pull back their commitment,” he recalled. “Amazingly, like 300 Spartans, we all held strong over these trying times.”

And the effort was worth it to erect a “first-class, family-friendly, family-fun, educational, quality-of-life, tourism-inducing amenity” that will serve as a “beacon of excitement and intrigue.”

City Council President Craig Marks is looking forward to positive effects. Port Wonder will bolster tourism and bring in revenue, he said, adding to the more than 80,000 visitors who make a pit stop in Lake Charles while traveling on Interstate 10. The economic benefits are in addition to the educational benefits.

“Port Wonder is going to provide an incredible space for families to learn through play and make memories that will last a lifetime,” he explained.

One-third of Port Wonder is dedicated to the Nature and Science Center. The section features more than 15,000 gallons of aquariums housing Louisiana freshwater species and provides hands-on learning experiences to educate guests on the importance of fisheries (and fishing).

Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group chose Lake Charles as a home for the project to make up for recreational service losses, said acting LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth.

The goal of the Nature and Science Center is to teach patrons about the “rich outdoor culture and abundant wildlife” in Louisiana while supporting LDWF’s mission to protect and preserve Sportsman’s Paradise.

“We want to engage people of all ages in the great work being done and inspire a love for conservation. … I firmly believe this center, and the value and education it will provide on fisheries management and restoration fulfilled that mission.”

The rest of Port Wonder is home to the Children’s Museum. It touts four main galleries — nature, health, tech and cityscape — that will cultivate curiosity in every child who visits, said Children’s Museum Executive Director Allyson Montgomery.

“We have the unique opportunity with Port Wonder to expose children to the world around them.  “We are excited to share with children so they can dream, they can imagine, they can create, but most of all they can learn.”

Hunter called Port Wonder a symbol of a burgeoning community opening a new chapter.

“In turning this page, we acknowledge, we affirm that we are a community of strength. In Lake Charles’ 150 years, she has never faced more trying times than what she has faced over the last few years. So, yes, this ribbon cutting is a glorious triumph.”

Port Wonder will open to the public “in the coming days” as the museums complete final preparations. The Children’s Museum and the LDWF Nature and Science Center will have separated, ticketed admission.