Filtration Plant

The Water Works Educational Center in the Filtration Plant will provide classes, workshops, seminars, summer camps and special programming for schools, universities, senior groups, families and individuals. The fields of study will include: the environment of the Hackensack River and the natural habitat; the history of the river and the island; the science and technology represented by the equipment (steam to electrical) and computers (studies of sustainable development, for example); and how the environment and technology relate to the growth and development of Bergen County both in the past and in the future; the arts and their relationship to our everyday lives.

Resource for Innovative Learning

The Educational Center will be a resource, as well as a stimulating innovator of creative exploration, and cultural and educational experiences. One of the goals of the Water Works is to provide the community with a focal point for the gathering together of the different generations. It will be a center where ideas are exchanged. Visitors will compare experiences and share stimulating events.

The Water Works Educational Center will offer learning choices. Experts agree, not everyone learns effectively in a controlled environment; therefore, it is vital to have a community filled with alternative resources. In an article written by Andrea Atkins, “The 10 Best Schools in America,” published in CHILD MAGAZINE, she states, ”Some children are visual learners, some are auditory learners... some kids learn better in groups, some are leave-me-alone learners. Some work better when they’re listening to music or lying on the floor. Kids need choices.”

Educational Impact

WWC will bring a unique educational asset to the community. It would effectively partner with formal education in schools by motivating children and adults alike to want to learn more about themselves and the world around them - the informal side of education. The potential for hands-on learning ﷓ touching our history, reaching out to the environment, seeing and feeling the enormous power of 19th Century steam engines ﷓ is enormous. The educational impact is extraordinary, and will clearly add a fascinating dimension to the fabric of the community.

Encouragement of Science and Technology

In an age of rapidly changing technology, our youth need to become more conversant in science, math, problem solving and analytical skills. The Science and Technology Wing in the old Filtration Plant will combine all of these disciplines into a format that will challenge area youth to continue study in these areas.

A Computer Room will be installed above the intact labs in which the activated carbon method of filtration (which became an international standard in water treatment) was tested and developed in the 1920’s. This will allow our students to develop Discovery and Challenge projects of their own: to follow their own curiosity, imagination and investigative creativity in the very building where 19th century scientists worked.