By Greg Ellison

(Feb. 24, 2022)Promoting and enhancing exercise on the water and land was the focus during the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Committee meeting last Tuesday evening.

Committee Chair Patti Stevens said plans are progressing to install a dock with floating launch for kayak and canoe access. The exact location will depend on a review of environmental considerations now being conducted, but Steven said the tentative location is Pintail Park.

After conferring with the Budget and Finance Committee and General Manager John Viola, committee members were enthused to learn the kayak launch was under consideration for the next budget cycle, if not sooner.

“We got estimates from two different locations that had launches similar to what we’re looking at,” she said.

Stevens and committee member Laura Scharle joined forces to research comparable facilities in the region.

“We’ve seen a couple different examples of what we like,” she said.

During their investigation, the duo recognized that the design had to ensure that launch areas were close to parking.

If plans proceed, committee members also hope to have a kayak storage rack installed at some point at Pintail Park.

Stevens said the rack would be “for people to rent for a season to put their kayaks, paddleboards and canoes close to the launch area.”

If the storage rack is approved, it would be the second storage area for personal watercraft, as the previously approved Swim and Racquet Club site is on the brink of being installed.

Stevens said j-rack mounts for kayaks at the Swim and Racquet Club, which were slated for installation last summer, have now been received.

“They took a really long time to come in due to covid supply issues,” she said.

Public Works plans to install storage racks in time for residential rentals this spring.

“They will be mounted along the fence line next to the beach,” she said.

On a related note, Scharle is working with Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue to introduce waterway-focused educational classes.

“Laura has offered through Recreation and Parks to do a spring water safety and paddling 101 course,” she said.

The course is intended to highlight certain paddling routes for experts and novices.

“We’re also considering some guided paddling from different launch sites within Ocean Pines for spring and summer,” she said.

To aid the effort, Scharle created a water trails map that is posted on the association website.

Work to restore nature trails in Ocean Pines was also a committee talking point last week.

Stevens said the long-term committee goal was echoed by the recent homeowners’ survey.

To that end, committee member Bill Barnard is drafting a proposal to apply for an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Community Challenge Grant.

“It’s given to communities seeking to foster health and wellness,” she said.

The grant submission seeks backing to install signs and markers for the Robin Hood and Route 90 trails.

“We would work with Ocean Pines on improving crosswalk markings where trails cross roads,” she said.

On a related note, the committee also posted a walking trails guide on the association’s website.

In concert with the AARP grant pursuit, Viola agreed to have Public Works add woodchips and fill in holes with gravel and stone on both trails this spring.

“To make level and safer to walk on,” she said.

Stevens said once trail upgrades are completed, community walks would be promoted.

“We did one last Oct. 6 on both those trails (for) Maryland Walk Day,” she said. “We had a good turnout and people expressed an interest in continuing.”

Other pedestrian safety enhancements on track for this spring are installing crosswalks and expanding sidewalks by Route 589 and Manklin Creek Road.

Stevens said State Highway Administration District One Engineer Dan Wilson is continuing to relay plans to install crosswalks at Route 589 by Cathell and Manklin Creek roads, while Worcester Public Works Director Dallas Baker also is working on the project.

“Worcester County is looking at a means to extend the sidewalk to the four-way stop at Manklin Creek and Ocean Parkway,” she said.

Stevens said the roadway upgrades would represent a significant safety improvement for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Both Dan Wilson and Dallas Baker have been very supportive and are working together,” she said.

Looking ahead, the committee also previewed the second annual Ocean Pines Community Bike Ride slated for May 21 at 4 p.m., with a rain date set for May 22.

The 12-mile journey, which starts and ends at the Racquet Sports Center, also coincides with National Bike Week

To access the Ocean Pines walking trials map visit:

https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/trails

To access the Ocean Pines water trails map visit:

https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/kayaks-canoes-sup