'Brighter days ahead' - A message from the Recreation and Parks Director

I’m so excited to be able to say that we are able to get back to somewhat normal processes again. We are also excited to announce out newest employee, Kyle Jarmon. He will be taking on multiple classes, sports, and events. We are happy that he decided to join our recreation family.

Looking into the spring, we have multiple things happening. We will be holding a bird house workshop, bingo in the park, soccer, softball, Concerts in the Park and multiple other programs. We will still have some COVID restrictions, but we are moving forward with all of the fun stuff for the summer. Check out the SPRING/SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE included in the back of this newsletter – after page 40. (Link: /documents/20124/91011/OP_newsletter_v53no2_web_reduced.pdf)

The Farmers & Artisans Market is open on Saturdays and growing in vendors each week. It has started its summer hours of 8 a.m.–1 p.m., so please come out and enjoy the different vendors and keep up that healthy eating.

The Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop is also open on Saturdays and Sundays. Their beautiful new store holds many handmade products and is the perfect place to find that something special for the person you have no idea what to get for that special holiday or birthday, or maybe that perfect something just for you. Stop by and enjoy the items and say “hi” to the lovely ladies who make the items in the store. A ribbon cutting for the gift shop will be held on May 22 – the first anniversary of the shop’s opening. More details to come! Visit their Facebook page to stay up to date!

The Ocean Pines Marina will be in full swing soon for summer! The fuel dock hours are May 1–27 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), May 28–Sept. 6 (6 a.m.–6 p.m.), Sept. 7–30 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), Oct. 1–31 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.); Oct. 31 is the last day for the season. Stop by for all your boating needs such as ice, bait, ice cream and drinks. Check out the merchandise they have for sale and sport your new Ocean Pines Marina sweatshirt, hat or t-shirt. Meet the great staff at the marina – Ron, Doug, Shirl, Mike, Barry, Victor, and Tony – who will be happy to help you with your boating needs and share some fun (fish) conversations.

Stop by the Recreation Department to pick up flyers, ask questions, or just to say “hi.” We are there Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I look forward to seeing everyone again and being able to enjoy the summer fun!

Stay safe and healthy! Summer’s coming!!!