By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Ocean Pines Association officials updated the community on maintenance efforts and ongoing initiatives at the Saturday, Oct. 26, Board of Directors meeting.

According to OPA General Manager John Viola, per requests, the bocce ball courts at the Yacht Club were recarpeted, and lights were added. The work was completed in-house for a total cost of $5,140.

“I think it was a good move, so we put them in,” Viola said of the new illumination. “You can now play bocce at night at the Yacht Club.”

The bocce ball court at White Horse Park was also retouched. The border was replaced, and the space was leveled with additional stone dust for $3,630. The recreation area’s shuffleboard courts were power-washed and are scheduled to be repainted this week.

Director of Business Administration Linda Martin discussed recreation and parks projects. A proposed crosswalk at Seabreeze Road and Ocean Parkway is under further review, as staff believes there is not enough foot traffic crossing the space. To improve safety, green PVC wire fencing was installed at White Horse Park and Manklin playgrounds for $1,120. A gate is also set to be installed at the Manklin play space “in lieu of a perimeter fence” for $20,000.

Martin added that fencing was not required at Bainbridge, Somerset, or Huntington parks as they sit away from traffic.

To enhance customer service, the association has opted to extend the marina’s hours past Oct. 31. To accommodate owners, the boatyard will now be open weekends until Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Martin also updated the community on the electronic sign initiative. Four additional devices have been ordered, totaling $85,079. The structures will be placed on Ocean Parkway at the Community Center, at the Yacht Club Entrance, at the south gate near Sherwood Forest, and on Cathell Road.

The digital signage project was approved last year to improve events, programs, and emergency notifications. The updated technology allows the community to rotate messages, so drivers are adequately informed of neighborhood occurrences. The manual banners restrict the amount of information residents may see on their commutes.

The Ocean Pines Board of Directors’ next public meeting is set for Saturday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. in the Clubhouse Meeting Room.