Free drainage seminars scheduled

(Jan. 24, 2020) In an effort to continue public education on drainage issues, Ocean Pines will partner with several outside organizations this spring to present a series of free seminars. 

Each of the seminars will be open to the public and held in the Ocean Pines Community Center on 235 Ocean Parkway. There is no need to preregister. 

The events are as follows: 

March 2, 6-7:30 p.m. – Watershed Restoration Specialist Jennifer Dindinger will discuss yard waste and lawn fertilization  

April 20, 6-7:30 p.m. – Watershed Restoration Specialist Jennifer Dindinger will host a hands–on seminar on how to make a rain barrel and rain garden  

May 12, 5:30-7 p.m. – Kevin Wagner, who manages the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Assistance Program for Maryland, will host a seminar on FEMA activities and flooding issues. The event will also include local agencies and vendors that specialize in flooding  

Additionally, Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips will offer a presentation on drainage during the Feb. 5 Ocean Pines Board meeting, slated to start at 5 p.m. in the community center. 

Phillips will supply updates on drainage improvement efforts, including those on Watertown Road and in the Borderlinks section. 

“Watertown was expected to start last week, but we will now be looking to start next week after some unexpected obstacles,” she said. “Borderlinks will be starting soon, with work done by contractor Goody Hill of Berlin. They will also be installing a new culvert under the road at Harborview, which will help with some of the drainage issues there and on Clipper Court that have been reported to us.” 

Phillips added the Association has nearly finished compiling a drainage maintenance list of Ocean Pines owned swales, which should help staff to “stay on top of the clearing and maintenance of our ditches.”   

She said recent efforts to improve drainage in Ocean Pines also received significant boosts from Worcester County officials. 

“In the 10 months I have been involved with drainage, I have been so impressed with the work done by our team, as well as the help and interest that has come from county representatives Bob Mitchell, Ryan Presock and Bobby Shockley, and County Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting,” she said. “Vista Engineering has also been a huge driving force in our drainage improvement plans.   

“The Board and GM have been very supportive of all we need to get done,” Phillips continued. “It has been refreshing to be able to work with so many people who want the same thing for our residents.” 

For questions about the seminars or concerns about Ocean Pines drainage issues, contact Phillips at  [email protected].