By Greg Ellison

(April 14, 2022) The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Committee previewed upcoming community hikes and bike rides, while also discussing instructional classes for kayaking during its meeting on Monday.

Committee member Laura Scharle reported on an introductory class for kayaking held on March 29.

About a dozen participants were introduced to safety essentials from  Scharle, who is a certified American Canoe Association instructor.

Committee chair Patti Stevens said the class mostly attracted unexperienced kayakers.

“A number were brand new to kayaking,” she said.

Stevens said an introductory class on kayaking techniques is slated for late May, with two group water excursions planned on June 14 and June 22 from the Swim and Racquet Club site.

For more information contact Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks at 410-641-7052.

Stevens said plans to install a new kayak launch site, which is being proposed at Pintail Park, are continuing to move forward.

“We are talking with vendors to get pricing for a floating dock and launch area,” she said.

Stevens said Scharle recently consulted with A Plus Marine Services owner John Aniunas to assess if Pintail Park would be a suitable site.

“He confirmed Pintail would be an ideal location,” she said.

While agreeing the waterways by Pintail Park would provide sufficient depth for kayaks, Aniunas suggested the launch area should be situated to avoid blocking boat traffic along the canal.

Stevens said cost estimates and site data was forwarded to Director of Recreation and Parks Debbie Donahue, who will consult further with General Manager John Viola.

Viola has previously said the kayak launch equipment would be included in the next budget cycle if not sooner.

“A number of people have expressed strong interest,” she said.

On a similar note, Stevens said kayak storage racks, which were ordered last year but just arrived this winter, would soon be installed by the beachhead at the Swim and Racquet Club. Annual rental for storage slots is anticipated to cost $100.

Stevens said the committee has discussed installing more storage racks elsewhere if the addition proves popular.

Committee members also reviewed the status of repair work along hiking trails, including Robin Hood Park and the Route 90 pond.

Stevens said Public Works has distributed wood chips at the sites and filled in low spots caused by soil erosion, all in time for an upcoming community walk.

“We are working to coordinate a walk in early June,” she said.

Throngs of bicyclists prepare for departure from the Racquet Sports Center in Ocean Pines during the inaugural community ride held last May.

Looking ahead, Stevens said a community bike ride is scheduled on May 21.

Replicating the route from the inaugural Ocean Pines ride held last year, bicyclists will start and end by the ballfields next to the Racquet Sports Center on Manklin Creek Road.

Stevens said the community ride is one of four bike jaunts sponsored by the Worcester County Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition during May to mark National Bike Month.

The next Recreation and Parks Committee meeting is set for May 9.