Background:

In its fourth year, the Coral Reef Encounter continues to be a spectacular, immersive art and science experience. It is the first and only time anywhere that a swimming pool has been turned into an artful, simulated reef filled with handmade, fanciful coral and fish.

Each year Coral Reef Encounter has drawn more than 1000 people over two days, about half of whom were adults and about half were children.  It is a fun, family friendly public event that simulates the amazing experience of snorkeling above a tropical coral reef --- while swimming in a safe, local pool.

Adults and children are provided snorkels and masks and learn how to use them in a practice area.  When a participant is ready, he or she will begin their snorkel below the big purple Octopus. They will then snorkel through the trail, which is filled with colorful fish made from fabric and coral made from many different found objects.