By Greg Ellison

(July 29, 2021) Ocean Pines appears to be back on track financially after a year of shutdowns because of the covid-19 pandemic, General Manager John Viola told the OPA Board of Directors last Wednesday.

“The bottom line of the presentation is we’re operating on all cylinders,” he said.

Viola said revenue and attendance figures have been strong across numerous amenities including: golf, aquatics, beach parking, recreation and parks, racquet sports and marinas.

Teeing off with the golf course, Viola said fairway action is up with year-to-date figures roughly $130,000 better than budget.

Despite an uptick in price per round costs, Viola said rounds played have also grown because of a blend of golf members and package players.

Questions about turf maintenance techniques during the peak of summer have arisen yet again, Viola said.

“If I compare that golf course today to the last … seven years of what’s happened there, we’ve shown some slight situations but nowhere near the amount,” he said.

Steps to adjust greens’ treatments during the summer “stress period,” have included discontinuing sand applications, or top dressing.

The practice will resume when temperatures cool, likely during September.

Additionally, greens and fairways are now being walk-mowed several times a week to lessen grass stress, with fans employed to reduce soil temperatures in select spots.

“All the measures that we have taken, whether it’s the fans or watering, it’s working,” he said.

Meanwhile, the aquatics department has reported year-to-date budget favorability of nearly $120,000.

“Aquatics is ramping up with swim lessons,” he said.

Aquatics have brought three new swim instructors on board this season with one more candidate planned.

“Aquatics is back on track,” he said.

Continuing the trend to a lesser degree, recreation and parks is $23,000 better than budgeted two months into the current fiscal year.

“They’re at 100 percent with summer camps,” he said.

Viola said a large percentage of recreation and parks positive revenue returns was tied to a stellar crowd for Independence Day fireworks.

Record-breaking attendance, topping 3,000 people, netted the association around $14,000 above the budgeted amount.

Racquet sports have also experienced growth, with receipts roughly $40,000 better than expected through June.

“We are doing work down at racquet sports and we’re trying to increase revenue,” he said.

To that end, the association has hired Darryl and Cathy Noble to serve as tournament directors.

The Nobles have already unveiled an initial pickleball tournament for Oct. 22-24 at the Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex.

“We’re hoping to have a nice increase in revenue, as well as participation for racquet sports,” he said.

After launching strong during May with revenue $21,000 better than budgeted, Ocean Pines Marinas took a slight dip in June.

“Marinas are doing well. Obviously in May we had record numbers, but it kind of settled down in June,” he said.

Viola said Marina Manager Ron Fisher reported nine small craft advisories were issued during June.