An Exciting New Resource for Teachers, Students and the Community
The education center of a thriving Stamford Harbor, the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center brings teachers, students and the community closer to Long Island Sound, the region’s greatest natural resource. Opened in 2022 and named in honor of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation who provided leadership funding, the Harbor Center comprises 12,800 square feet of education space and resources specially designed to meet the needs of the youth of the community. The Harbor Center is situated in John J. Boccuzzi Park, a public park under the authority of the Stamford Department of Parks and Recreation.
Our community is stronger when we are connected to and learning from Long Island Sound.
-SoundWaters Purpose Statement
Education
School Day
Designed to meet the needs of teachers and older students exploring science on a more sophisticated level, the Harbor Center includes a large, modern lab as well as ample classroom and breakout space. Combined with safe, easy access to multiple coastal environments and the Schooner SoundWaters, the Harbor Center can accommodate school groups from 12 to 120 students. A trip to the Harbor Center is a school day your students will never forget.
After-School & Summers
The Harbor Center comes to life every day after school with motivated high school students exploring marine science. During the summer, students are active all day, every day. These passionate students utilize every resource available, including the lab, salt marsh, waterfront and research vessel to create original research on important topics related to climate change and its impacts on our local environment.
Youth Development
During the summer, the Harbor Center is home to our Young Mariners, a longstanding, well-loved development program for middle school students that combines the thrill and challenge of sailing with an introduction to marine science and environmental-focused art. Young Mariners seeks to launch students into the coming school year with new academic and social emotional skills and confidence.
Workforce Development
Visit the Harbor Center almost any day and you will encounter young adults working hard in the Brewer Family Workshop. They are members of Harbor Corps, building their futures by equipping themselves with the skills and work habits to gain entry level jobs in the marine trades. This inspiring program moves young adults – all high school graduates, aged 18-26 – from un or underemployment to well-paying, stable jobs.
Community Recreation
Public Sails
The iconic Schooner SoundWaters, the floating classroom of Long island Sound, is docked at TGM Marina, immediately adjacent to the Harbor Center. During the sailing season – April – September – school and youth groups utilize the Schooner for education sails. Wednesday – Sundays from June – September, the public may purchase tickets on the Schooner for a beautiful afternoon or sunset sail.
Paddle Sports Rentals
The public may rent kayaks and paddleboards from SoundWaters during summer weekends. The paddle sports equipment is located on the Eenkema van Dijk Family Waterfront, adjacent to the Harbor Center.
The Harbor Center is available for limited private use. Rental approval and fees will be determined based on timing, space needs and intensity of usage. Complete this form If you have questions or are interested in renting the Harbor Center.
Available space includes the following:
- Harbor Center lobby: guest reception and check-in
- Harbor Center patio and terrace space
- Pitney Bowes Foundation Classroom
- Meetings, Presentations, Lectures, Receptions & Dinners
- Breakout Meeting Rooms
- Pantry: Used for staging and serving – not preparing – food
SoundWaters Harbor Ambitions Campaign created awareness and generated financial support from the community to fund construction of the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center. We are deeply grateful to all donors to the Harbor Ambitions Campaign.
SoundWaters gratefully acknowledges the support and expertise of our partners in constructing the Harbor Center:
- Architects: Fuller & d’Angelo
- Project Manager: JLL
- Construction Manager: Pavarini Northeast
- Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
- Former Connecticut Governor, Dan Malloy
- Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons
- Former Stamford Mayor David Martin
