By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Nov. 30, 2017) Dozens of platform tennis players, Ocean Pines residents and well-wishers attended Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new $93,800 courts at the Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex.

The Ocean Pines Board of Directors approved the project at a July 28 meeting and awarded a construction contract to Ohio-based Total Platform Tennis.

Speakers on the unseasonably warm and sunny day included General Manager John Bailey, Aquatics and Recreation Director Colby Phillips, Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer, former Director Dave Stevens and members of the Ocean Pines Platform Tennis Association.

An advance press release touted the compound as the largest for racquet sports in Worcester County.

During his remarks, Bailey said the addition of two new platform tennis courts brought the total number at Manklin to four. The complex also includes eight pickleball courts and 10 tennis courts, he said.

“This addition … enhances the claim that Ocean Pines is leading the way in community-based racquet sports on the Eastern Shore, and everywhere,” he said.

Bailey said he played tennis in junior high and won a youth tournament as a 16-year-old.

“I remember summer nights playing under the lights, singles and doubles, sweating and having a great time. And I also remember the feeling of being in the zone when I could’ve beaten anybody – McEnroe, Connors,” he said with a laugh. “However, the knees are not what they used to be and neither is my weight. I’m a good southern guy that likes his biscuits and bread.”

Platform tennis courts are about a third the size of normal tennis courts, making them more accessible.

“It’s good to know that I and others have some options, platform tennis being one of them,” Bailey said. “With the advent and growth of platform tennis, those of us who love racquet sports have another way to enjoy the game for a lifetime.”

Jim Freeman, president of the Ocean Pines Platform Tennis Association, said the addition was proof Ocean Pines supports interests of all types.

“Ocean Pines is a large community and it’s made up of individuals that have special interests,” Freeman said. “Some of them are large, like swimming and golf, and some of them like platform tennis aren’t so large. The one thing that we all have in common, however, is that these special interest groups are very, very important to us. Today, our board of directors and administrators have proved that they understand how important this is and that they are willing to go the extra mile to support us.

“If they promote platform tennis, a unique and very little-known sport, they will also support your special interest groups, and that we can be very happy about,” he continued.

Freeman added he was proud the 100-plus tennis association members joined with the board and Ocean Pines administration to dedicate the courts “to all American veterans whose sacrifices large or small have made this day possible.”

He said instructors were available for all Ocean Pines racquet sports, including free clinics and a 30-day free trial racquet sports membership.

The Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex is based on 11443 Manklin Creek Road in Ocean Pines.

For more information, visit www.oceanpines.org/amenities/racquet-sports.