By Greg Ellison

(April 29, 2021) Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue provided the Board of Directors updates  on her department’s activities last Wednesday.

Replacing aging playground apparatus at Robin Hood Park is nearly completed, Donahue said.

“Robin Hood will be finished for the summer probably in a week,” she said.

River Valley Playground Company was retained for the project and began the installation on March 25.

The work schedule at Robin Hood Park involves installing new playground equipment and resurfacing the half-basketball court.

Donahue said the basketball court would have lines repainted and a new backboard installed.

“Fencing repairs will be completed the week of April 25,” she said.

Comparable basketball court repairs are also scheduled for Manklin Meadows Park. This will include replacing backboards, resurfacing and painting fresh lines.

In addition, Donahue said all parks would receive fresh mulch with any needed equipment repairs completed.

With the number of participants still limited because of coronavirus restrictions, Camp Ocean Pines will open on June 25.

“We are held at half-capacity per the state, but we are full at that half capacity,” she said.

Donahue said those numbers could increase if state health restrictions are relaxed later this summer.

“Right now we are held at half, but we are able to do field trips, so that’s a plus in our direction,” she said.

Following earlier efforts to address frequently soggy ground conditions at the Ocean Pines Dog Park, including adding fill dirt and mulch, Donahue said additional solutions are being sought.

“There’s been lots of conversation about standing water,” she said.

Donahue said Public Works Director Eddie Wells has spoken to Worcester County officials in hopes of identifying other options to reduce soggy ground at the location.

Donahue said White Horse Park parking lot paving is scheduled to begin April 27, with the wooden entrance sign to be replaced by June.

Other improvements set for completion by June include updating gym lighting at the Ocean Pines Community Center with higher efficiency LED bulbs.

Several projects are in progress or completed at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

“Har-Tru court resurfacing began April 15 and was completed on Tuesday,” she said.

Plans are also proceeding for new pickleball and junior tennis courts.

Donahue said Vista Design is working on design plans.

“The placement was in question,” she said. “They’ve been out this week doing their design work and they’ll be giving us plans for that soon.”

On the beautification front, Donahue said numerous cherry blossom trees were recently planted on Cathell Road, with an additional batch going in soon around the South Gate Pond.

“The crew at public works are waiting for more trees to be delivered,” she said.

Replacing decking boards at the Yacht Club Marina has been finished with the facility slated to open May 1.

“The marina has been painted,” she said. “All of the Yacht Club Marina and Swim and Racquet slips have been rented.”

Board member Tom Janasek asked about previous plans to add extra boat slips at the marina.

“I haven’t heard anything about it lately,” he said.

General Manager John Viola said although the association is still working on acquiring county permits required for the additional slips, nothing will happen this summer.

“We’re going to wait on that,” he said.