sharky60
Contributor
Hey all, I just wanted to check in with those that have contacted me about volunteering at the aquarium.
As usual, things are moving slow at the aquarium, construction doesn't always go as planned and there have been some minor and major setbacks in the past month or so.
They are planning at least a "soft" opening for the State Fair. The director would like to have the aquarium up and running at at least 60% by Fair time...may or may not make it.
Cow nose and Southern sting rays, (one weighing 75lbs.) arrived this past friday, Bonnet head and Leopard sharks to arrive in the next week or so. Most exhibits are running or very close to it and are awaiting more critters to arrive. Graphics are going up and finishing touches on the building are being done.
Still not sure what the diving duties will be, but there will be plenty of opportunity in touch tanks and other eductional endevors around the place before we get that program up and running. (you generally have to volunteer for 6 months before qualifiing to dive anyway)
They just announced the hiring of the educational staff this week, so I'm not sure if they are going ask for new volunteers before the Fair starts or not.
BELIVE ME, The wheels run slow around there, I about these renovations being done when I first started working for them, almost 10 years ago now and it took until a year and a half ago to actually happen.
So please have patience if you have been wanting to do this, there will be plenty of need once things get up and running at full speed.
There is a meeting (subject to change) sort of planned on Sept. 18th for the current volunteers to come in and see the new digs. Hopefully I will know more at that time...hang in there! It will be worth it in the long run.
In the mean time, the Great State Fair of Texas starts on Sept. 24th and runs through Oct. 17th. Stop by and bring the kiddos to see the new and improved Dallas Children's Aquarium at Fair Park.
I'll try and post my schedule here on "the board" if you want to come by and say hi to me. I'll give you a personal tour and give the low-down on what we do around there when not getting wet.
As usual, things are moving slow at the aquarium, construction doesn't always go as planned and there have been some minor and major setbacks in the past month or so.
They are planning at least a "soft" opening for the State Fair. The director would like to have the aquarium up and running at at least 60% by Fair time...may or may not make it.
Cow nose and Southern sting rays, (one weighing 75lbs.) arrived this past friday, Bonnet head and Leopard sharks to arrive in the next week or so. Most exhibits are running or very close to it and are awaiting more critters to arrive. Graphics are going up and finishing touches on the building are being done.
Still not sure what the diving duties will be, but there will be plenty of opportunity in touch tanks and other eductional endevors around the place before we get that program up and running. (you generally have to volunteer for 6 months before qualifiing to dive anyway)
They just announced the hiring of the educational staff this week, so I'm not sure if they are going ask for new volunteers before the Fair starts or not.
BELIVE ME, The wheels run slow around there, I about these renovations being done when I first started working for them, almost 10 years ago now and it took until a year and a half ago to actually happen.
So please have patience if you have been wanting to do this, there will be plenty of need once things get up and running at full speed.
There is a meeting (subject to change) sort of planned on Sept. 18th for the current volunteers to come in and see the new digs. Hopefully I will know more at that time...hang in there! It will be worth it in the long run.
In the mean time, the Great State Fair of Texas starts on Sept. 24th and runs through Oct. 17th. Stop by and bring the kiddos to see the new and improved Dallas Children's Aquarium at Fair Park.
I'll try and post my schedule here on "the board" if you want to come by and say hi to me. I'll give you a personal tour and give the low-down on what we do around there when not getting wet.
