Onward Oceans Center
For generations the Ballast Point facility in Cat Harbor hosted family gatherings, boater celebrations and community events, bringing vitality and energy to Catalina’s West End.
However, for more than a decade the facility has sat empty. Boarded up and unusable in its current condition, it is a safety hazard and a waste of an incredible resource.
Our Plan?
A multi-use facility for education, boater recreation, events, and ocean stewardship.
Onward Industries is repairing the Ballast Point facility in order to build a unique multi-use space that hosts education, community engagement, and outdoors recreation opportunities.
EDUCATION
In coordination with our educational partners, local nonprofits, and the Catalina community, our nonprofit will offer youth-centered programming at the facility that gets kids and their adults learning and engaged in hands-on science, ecology, conservation, and regeneration of our marine environment. Onward believes strongly in the power of narrative to engage and challenges students to write a better script for our planet.
RETREATS & EVENTS
The facility will be a focal point for Southern California arts & culture events, performances, festivals, and shows that engage with the environment. Onward will bring creative professionals to the island for retreats and camps aimed at activating creative problem solving for a better world. Events & retreats will prioritize issues of sustainability and marine stewardship in ways that are accessible and have maximum impact. Clubs & orgs across Southern California will have a chance to participate in an events calendar that brings new energy to the West End.
RECREATION
Situated on the water with a floating dock & access by boat or road via Two Harbors, the facility has a proud history serving the local boating community. Onward Oceans continues this legacy with a community cafe, facility access for supporting members and clubs across Southern California, and generous use rates for local organizations. Onward’s flagship vessel, an 87-foot gaff-rigged ketch built in 1944, will serve as a vital link between Cat Harbor and ports across Southern California.
PROGRESS REPORT
Lease agreement with Catalina Island Company
Permitting underway with California Coastal Commission
Partner with key stakeholders (e.g., USC Aquaculture, AltaSeads, local boating community, etc.)
Vessel use arranged to transport & lodge workers
Rehabilitation Phases
Rehabilitation of physical structure & infrastructure including: Roof, Decks, Stairs, Walls, Water, Gas, Energy, Toilets
Remodel Interior rooms: Upgrade Flooring, Lighting, and Electrical
Phase 2 Rehabilitation: Enclose South Deck with Lighting and Electrical
Phase 3 Rehabilitation: Expansion of Educational Installations
Maintenance Upgrades: Patch and Paint: Repainting, Deep cleaning, Minor aesthetic upgrades
Onward is proud to collaborate in this endeavor with AltaSeads Conservancy, USC Aquaculture Lab, SV Lindy LLC, and the local maritime community.
We need your support!
Our fundraising goal is $250,000.
Upcoming events
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Dream it.
10.21 7:00-8:00PM
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Build it.
10.21 7:00-8:00PM
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Grow it.
10.21 7:00-8:00PM
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.