OCEAN PINES — Amid safety concerns over the wood chip surface of Ocean Pines’ playgrounds, members of the Ocean Pines Association Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee have come up with an idea that could result in the replacement of the wood with a safer and softer surface.

 

“This is one of the biggest projects we are talking about,” said Ray Foreman, chairperson of the advisory committee.

 

Back from its first meeting since the summer, the advisory committee began discussing plans for the winter, specifically

looking into projects that would improve the community in the long run. 

 

“We don’t think it’s a safe surface to play on. Kids could fall and injure themselves

through cuts or simply by hitting the hard surface.”

 

The wood also is difficult to maintain because it is susceptible to weather damage, Foreman said. He added that a Delaware businessman visited the OPA last year to give a presentation about alternative safe playground surfaces.

 

“He made a suggestion to use a soft rubberized mulch-like surface,” he said.

 

Foreman also said many playgrounds in the area have changed to the same, or a similar surface, such as the one at Berlin Intermediate School.

 

The idea remains in the discussion stage, since nothing has been mentioned to General Manager Bob Thompson or most of the Board of Directors.

 

“This is plan is in its early exploratory stage,” Foreman said. The next step is for the board’s liaison to the Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee, OPA Treasurer Terri Mohr, to approach Thompson with the plan.

 

“I have not yet had an opportunity to talk with Bob [Thompson], but I hope to do so in the next few days,” she said.