By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Ocean Pines pedestrians will now have another trail option with a new walking path from Pintail Park to Mumford’s Landing entrance by the community’s yacht club.

According to a press release issued by OPA, Bay Colony resident Ralph Ferrusi emailed the association to suggest creating a trail through the open woods near Pintail Park. This would allow pedestrians to avoid the heavily trafficked Ocean Parkway while accessing Mumford’s Landing.

Per the recommendation, OPA Senior Public Works Director Eddie Wells surveyed the space and determined it was suitable for a footpath. The release notes that upon Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola’s approval, the public works team trimmed branches, removed debris, and “cleared a quarter-mile path using leaf blowers.”

The OPA-issued release includes feedback provided by Ferrusi, an “avid hiker,” who, along with his wife, has ventured on treks like Nepal’s Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro’s Marangu route upon the trail’s completion. “A superb job, a great route that flows through the existing woods, drawing you along,” he said. “I can see it becoming a popular Ocean Pines walking trail.”

The Pintail Park Trail was added to the association’s online guide, making it the seventh official walking path in Ocean Pines.

The newcomer joins the one-mile-long Swim and Racquet Trail, the 2.5-mile South Gate Pond Trail 2 (Route 90/Library Trail), the one-mile South Gate Pond 1 Trail, the 2.5-mile Sherwood Forest Trail, the quarter-mile Bainbridge Park Trail, and the one-mile White Horse Park Trail.

The Ocean Pines Trails guide webpage says the community has many recreational opportunities, attracting visitors in Worcester County and throughout the state. Many of these activities include footpaths.

“Walking and jogging are among the most popular forms of recreation in The Pines and Worcester County,” the website reads.

The website continues, “It’s an inexpensive activity that you may enjoy whenever convenient. We encourage families to walk together and make walking a regular activity for all ages. Trails support an active lifestyle that improves health.”

More information on these walking areas can be found at www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/trails.