By Greg Ellison

(Feb. 17, 2022) Ocean Pines Racquet Sports Committee members discussed pending increases for guest rates, winter maintenance, pickleball court expansions and upcoming spring clinics during its meeting on Feb. 10.

Committee Chairman Rhett Parsons said the possibility of raising daily fees was examined during the group’s last meeting.

“We understood if they needed to go up, but we were hoping they wouldn’t,” he said.

Parsons said committee members had considered a 5 percent increase for each racquet sport.

“Our recommendation was for guest fees,” he said.

Based on committee feedback, the association opted to increase daily guest fees for pickleball and platform tennis to $7 for residents and $8 for non-residents, while tennis would run $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.

“That will be the guest rates for this coming year,” he said.

Turning to maintenance issues, Parsons said numerous court surfaces have cracks in need of repair.

In addition to Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue discussing repairs with contractors, committee member Karen Kaplan also located resources to aid the work.

“There’s a lot of different possibilities,” he said. “We are definitely going to get someone that’s professional to do it.”

Parsons said the association would make the final determination on which repair options to pursue.

Parsons also highlighted efforts by Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex managers Tim McMullen and Terry Underkoffler to maintain court surfaces during winter months.

“Right now, they’re a challenge because of the thawing, rain and snow,” he said. “January was a beautiful representation of winter here.”

General Manager John Viola offered a progress report on the installation of additional pickleball courts.

“Pickleball court bids should be received back by Feb. 18,” he said.

Viola intends to present cost totals for constructing a pair of new pickleball courts during the Board of Directors’ meeting on Feb. 23.

“It should be enough time to have courts ready for May,” he said.

Swapping out marquee sign messages on a playground adjacent to the Racquet Sports Complex was proposed by Kaplan.

“On any nice day, the place is packed with kids and families,” she said.

Kaplan suggested the playground marquee should contain messages relevant to youths.

Terry Underkoffler

“We would use a marquee on the parkway for racquet center events,” she said.

Parsons backed the recommendation.

“That’s a better use of the advertising space as it were,” he said.

Viola said committee members should contact the association’s Public Relations Department if additional advertising needs arise.

Looking ahead, Parsons said an array of racquet sport clinics are scheduled this spring, including Spec Tennis on April 9 and 14, plus Timeless Tennis on April 23 and 28.

Lastly, “Friday Family Fun Night” events are slated for May 13 and 20, with a $12 fee covering court rentals, equipment and basic instruction.