(Aug. 19, 2021) Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Committee discussed the possibility of improvements to walking trails in Ocean Pines and a variety of other subjects during its meeting last Monday.

Committee member Patti Stevens, filling in for Chairman Steve Cohen, who was unable to attend, reviewed several proposed projects.

Stevens also prepared a questionnaire for the Board of Directors to consider how to coordinate with state and county officials to install additional crosswalks at high-traffic intersections.

Stevens advised committee members to come up with suggestions for trail improvements before work begins on next year’s budget in October.  

In other  business, committee members learned that the installation of kayak racks at the Ocean Pines Swim and Racquet Club continues to make progress.

In June, Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said the apparatus had been ordered with installation anticipated shortly.

The committee agreed to revisit the topic during its September meeting.

Committee members discussed promotional efforts for “Walktober,” a statewide initiative in October that aims to highlight the health benefits and social merits of hiking.

The committee also proposed partnering with the Communications Committee to raise awareness of community walking trails, along with promoting group ventures outdoors during October.

Committee member Martha Arthur is planning to contact the Ocean Pines Golf Course in hopes of scheduling a community event on or around “Walk Maryland Day,” on Oct. 6.

Committee member Laura Scharle has developed a “water trails map,” to chart community walking paths.

Map data points include picnic areas and park facilities, and rates trails on level of difficulty for navigation.

Committee members concurred the water trails map would be ideal to post on the association’s website.

Committee members also reviewed inquiries related to a survey being developed by the Ocean Pines Strategic Planning Committee.

In June, Strategic Planning Committee Chair Bernie McGorry sent members questions regarding the association’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Among the points raised during last weeks’ meeting, committee members recommended strengths should include an increase of younger homeowners, primarily families, relocating to the Pines.

The committee concluded a major draw for younger residents are the amenities and programs offered by the association.

As for weaknesses, committee members agreed there is a need for more data to drive board and staff decisions. Other weaknesses cited included “ongoing drama, arguments and lawsuits,” which the committee said, “erodes community trust and interest.”

Looking at opportunities, the committee keyed on the importance of sharing data regularly online or through reports to the community.

The committee recommended soliciting resident volunteers to assist with data analysis.

The committee also proposed becoming more involved with younger residents and families at common areas such as pools, parks, bus stops or the Farmers and Artisan Market.

The next meeting of the Recreation and Parks Committee is scheduled for Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.