Ocean Pines amenities get back to full swing as covid restrictions fade from view
By Greg Ellison
(June 24, 2021) Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola reviewed current infrastructure projects and provided amenity updates during the Board of Directors meeting last Wednesday.
Bulkhead maintenance budgeted for the 2020/21 fiscal year is on track to wrap up by the end of next week. Viola said all bulkhead installations are completed and back filled. The final work entails adding topsoil and sod at seven lots and an adjacent park area.
The bulkhead replacement program, which was budgeted at $1.4 million, has cost roughly $1.13 million to date with just over $200,000 additional expenses anticipated.
“We’re pretty much within the budget,” he said.
Turning to the Bainbridge Pond drainage project, Viola said Vista Engineering and contractor EQR are nearly finished work to reduce flooding and improve water quality.
In addition a Department of Natural Resources grant of more than $480,000, the association chipped in $235,000 for an overall cost of $717,000.
“I don’t anticipate anything being over budget,” he said.
Underwater benches for plantings have been completed in the main pond area, and the purchase and installation of greenery is next on the agenda.
Work on the forebay, an inlet area filtering water prior to flowing to the main pond, was completed on May 12.
“Plants will be placed throughout the pond on the forebay, which is all for filtration,” he said.
Road repairs are on track to kick off this month, Viola said.
In April, Chesapeake Paving was awarded a contract for $208,000 to install an inch-and-a half of overlay on half a dozen roads, including Admiral Avenue, Carriage Lane, Drawbridge Road, Harbormist Circle, Raft Road and Tail of the Fox Drive.
The cost is $93,000 per mile for the 2.24 miles of repairs.
Turning to amenities, Viola said the aquatics department’s pool facilities were inspected and are licensed to operate.
“There are no capacity limits or covid restrictions,” he said. “We have turned the corner.”
Viola said only a few spots remain to be filled to hit aquatics staffing goal of 33 positions.
Swim instructors are also being hired to jump-start lesson offerings.
While outdoor pools were a “wash out” for both Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, Viola said the Sports Core Pool hosted roughly 350 guests each day to counter the downswing.
Despite early season chills, outdoor pools are now warming up as summer hits full stride, Viola said.
Recreation and Parks programs are also getting back in swing, with summer camp kicking off June 21.
Family Fun Nights began on Wed. June 23, while the first summer concert in White Horse Park taking place on June 24 when the Uptown Band performs.
Recreation and Parks staff is finalizing details for Independence Day celebrations and festivities.
July 4th fireworks at the South Gate Pond in Ocean Pines are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Cathell Road will be blocked once the fireworks truck arrives with an exact time yet to be announced.
Viola said the Ocean Pines Pickleball Club’s 2021 Summer Classic tournament held June 12-13 at the Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex attracted an overflow crowd.
In total, 240 players from across the region competed, for an entry fee of $45, with an estimated 150 spectators attending.
Portions of the proceeds of the roughly $10,000 collected from player fees, plus an additional $4,000 generated from eight event sponsors, were donated by the Pines Pickleball Club to the American Cancer Society.
“It was well organized,” he said.
Viola also reported the Yacht Club had a record sales day on Saturday June 12.
“The Matt Ortt Companies reported the highest gross volume of sales ever on that date,” he said.
Between poolside service, indoor-restaurant sales, banquet business and outdoor band entertainment the final tally was about $56,000 for the day.
Viola said veteran rockers Tranzfusion drew a sizeable crowd.
“The place was packed,” he said. “It was a really good night.”