Contributing to childlike ‘Wonder’ in Louisiana

Phillips 66 is helping educate future generations about the art and science of refining with a $500,000 contribution to the city of Lake Charles in Louisiana that will be used to help reimagine the local children’s museum. 

The funds will support Port Wonder, a lakefront venue that will serve as an educational and entertaining space for families, where the children’s museum will be relocated and upgraded with an interactive Phillips 66 STEM education exhibit. Museum staff, city officials and Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex (LCMC) employees and their families celebrated the donation at a July 26 event at the refinery. 

“We’ve been a community partner in southwest Louisiana for almost 80 years, and this is just another step in that journey,” said LCMC General Manager Scot Tyler. “Our exhibit will stimulate curiosity and cultivate learning about the energy industry — a field that is ever-evolving.” 

The distillation exhibit will feature STEM activities where children can learn about how refineries convert crude oil into finished products and don proper Phillips 66 personal protective equipment. The Port Wonder complex will also house a science and nature center administered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. 

“Phillips 66 has been an incredible supporter to the city of Lake Charles, “said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter at the event. “Their financial support of Port Wonder will help ensure a world-class attraction on our lakefront and a state-of-the-art educational experience for generations to come.”  

Construction of Port Wonder is underway and should be complete in late 2023.