By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Ocean Pines Association continues to upkeep its amenities and utilities, including the racquet center, the golf course, and neighborhood parks, officials said at a community monthly board meeting.

Last week, OPA General Manager John Viola updated the association’s board and residents on ongoing and recently completed maintenance projects. Viola first touched on the work at the neighborhood’s golf course.

OPA has begun investing in its golf course, and as such, last year, a project to replace the site’s 50-year-old failing irrigation system kicked off. Phase one of that initiative included work on holes one and nine, the practice range, and the pump station. The total cost of this stage was $934,000.

Now, Ocean Pines is gearing up for that project’s second leg. Phase two will include holes numbered four through eight and is scheduled to begin in November, with an expected completion date of March. This portion of the irrigation replacement is estimated to yield a total price tag of around $900,000. Additionally, bulkhead replacement on the 18th green and fairway is planned for 2026.

Viola said that some issues on the golf course arose at the end of August and early September, when an abundance of rain created puddles that boiled and killed the turf. The general manager maintained that this is common for the area towards the end of summer, and that golf staff were proactive, aerating and seeding promptly to maintain the course’s conditions.

“It used to happen to the greens,” Viola added. “[This time], it didn’t happen on the greens.”

Furthermore, earlier this month, Ocean Pines staff added mulch to the dog park and playgrounds. A gazebo, or weather shelter, was also installed at the dog park in August as part of an effort to enhance the space.

At the bocce court, Viola said that pavers will be installed in October.

“I believe that’s going to look really nice,” the general manager said.

Repair work continues at the racquet center, with cracks at a total of 10 courts fixed and restriped on Monday, Sept. 22. That maintenance was approved earlier this year for a cost of $57,875.

Viola noted that the association continues to invest in the racquet center, spending $759,615 over the past six years to enhance the space. This includes building renovations and repairs. The general manager added that to improve the sports complex further, OPA hired a full-time director within the past few years to provide residents with a professional and thriving place to participate in paddle-wielding activities.

Additionally, OPA staff updated the community on next month’s reserve study. The association’s leaders have contracted with DMA Reserves for $18,480. The findings will aid Ocean Pines in developing budget estimates and upgrading the strategic plan.

DMA’s team will be on-site in mid-October to complete the study. The draft report will be released before the budget, likely by the end of December.