Now that our summer season is over, a look back at our performance in providing a quality resort experience for our community, renters and guests is appropriate. Under very trying circumstances caused by the pandemic, our amenity and facility staffs performed beyond expectations. The Golf course team and Aquatics team provided great service with reduced staffing and increased regulations. The Recreation and Parks Department also ran a great limited enrollment summer camp program in compliance with the governor’s and health department’s COVID-19 regulations. The Racquet Center was also very busy and hosted some successful tournaments. Racquet Sports continues to be a growing area for our community.

Not only did our amenities provide a quality summer experience, our Public Works Department did an exceptional job while being short staffed. Public Works did a great job helping Ocean Pines clean up from the summer storm. All of our employees worked very hard and professionally under the leadership of our General Manager John Viola. A big “thank you” to our entire staff.

On a happy and sad note, we witnessed the retirement of Chief Massey after 17 years of leadership of the Ocean Pines Police Department. Chief Massey is the reason we are living in one of the safest communities in the state and country. We wish the chief a happy and healthy retirement and look forward to Chief Leo continuing the path forged by Chief Massey.

The Matt Ortt Companies also did everything they could do continue to provide quality service and food choices at our food and beverage facilities. The new Clubhouse Bar and Grille staff is receiving outstanding reviews on their service. What a great place for breakfast and lunch. Great food and drinks with fabulous views. If you haven’t had a chance to experience the Clubhouse Grille, put it on your to-do list.

The four major construction projects (craft building, cart barn, country club and police and administrative building expansion) are now completed. The remaining major capital project is the installation of the Northstar computer system. Overall, the five main projects will be completed under budget. As with any new facilities, operational adjustments are being made at each location and with Northstar.

Now that we have completed our capital projects, it is the time to concentrate on smaller projects and strengthen our reserve accounts. Roads, bulkheads and drainage remain top ongoing priorities for the staff and the Board. Now that the crowds are subsiding, I hope everyone takes advantage of our new and existing facilities. Please stay safe while we move through this pandemic. Have a great fall season and I hope to see you out and about in the community.