Members of Ocean Pines’ communications advisory committee are considering new survey initiatives to facilitate community involvement and feedback.
Photo courtesy Ocean Pines Season Kick-Off and Expo via Facebook
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
Members of Ocean Pines’ communications advisory committee are considering new survey initiatives to facilitate community involvement and feedback.
With first-time members Connie Corbett and Cindy Hoffman officially on the roster, the group met on Feb. 22 to discuss upcoming plans to foster the Ocean Pines neighborhood spirit, specifically the Ocean Pines Season Kickoff and Expo.
Committee chair Linda Yurche said roughly 600 additional residents move into Ocean Pines each year. The expo allows these new members to explore the 61 clubs and organizations available, such as the Democratic Women’s Club, the bowling league and the Delmarva Chorus.
The event is slated for April 20 at White Horse Park. The communications committee, which is heavily involved in its planning, is excited to give new and old Ocean Pines residents a chance to browse all the community offers.
The group also deliberated new proposals.
In 2018, Yurche said the committee conducted a survey to determine how residents received Ocean Pines information and what community matters were of the most concern. At the time, 62% of the 1,773 respondents indicated they obtained OPA news through the Bayside Gazette. The communications team also determined that infrastructure, drainage, facility upkeep and dissatisfaction with Mediacom were top issues.
The board used this information to assemble priorities. At the most recent communications meeting, the members expressed their intention to recommend an updated survey, as the world has changed significantly within the last six years.
“I think people were receptive to what we put out before,” committee member Marlene Ott said.
Corbett noted the need to distinguish demographics when reviewing the results. The study would differentiate between new, long-time, year-round, and part-time residents and families, single people and couples.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the committee agreed to discuss the proposed assessment tool with Elaine Brady, the board liaison, and see if they wish to proceed.
“I would love to see the updated data,” Yurche said.