'Welcome to fall in Ocean Pines' - A message from the Director of Recreation and Parks

Summer was certainly not what we would have wanted, but we all made the best of it and enjoyed a beautiful summer. We are excited to move into our fall programs and hopefully will be able to bring back the majority of our programs soon. We are now hosting some of our community organizations such as Shape Ups exercise group on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. as well as the line dancing group at 9:30 a.m. Recreation fall classes are posted in this edition of the newsletter.

We will hold a Trunk or Treat night on Oct. 30 from 5-8 p.m. in White Horse Park, which we are very excited to offer to the community for the first time. Bring out the little trick or treaters for a little Halloween fun. We are also offering some virtual fun, including decorate your own scarecrow and a pumpkin painting contest.

The holidays may be a little different, but we are still planning the Hometown Christmas tree lighting. If you would like to purchase a tree to decorate in White Horse Park, call Katie Goetzinger at 410-641-7052 for information and an application.

We are working diligently with the local health department and management to bring back as many of our organizations, leagues and classes as we possibly can do safely. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and the website for more upcoming events and the opening of other programs as we start the process of getting back to some sort of normal business.

The Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter. Their beautiful new store will hold many handmade items, from fall products to holiday items. What do you get the person who has everything? Something handmade from the Ocean Pines Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop! Their hours are:

OCT: Saturdays 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., during “Trunk or Treat” Oct. 30 - 5-8 p.m.

NOV: Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., during “A Hometown Christmas” Nov. 28 - 5:30-8:30 p.m.

DEC: Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., evenings of Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18 - 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Stop in for that something special and meet the talented ladies who make all of products in the store. Masks are required to enter and masks are also sold for $8 in the shop.

The Farmers Market will continue to bring great products to White Horse Park every Saturday through the fall and winter. Starting Nov. 7, the hours will change to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will continue throughout winter. Through the winter some vendors may change, but Market Manager David Bean and his awesome vendors will be there offering fresh produce, breads, pies, cakes, etc., and his artisan vendors will continue to bring the community all of their great products. Please continue supporting a healthy, clean life- style by purchasing from the Ocean Pines Farmers Market.

The Marina at the Yacht Club will continue offering fuel and some of your boating needs such as ice, bait, and even a sweatshirt for those chilly days on the water. Please note that the marina hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October; it will close for the season on Nov. 1.

Anyone interested in renting a slip at the marina at the Yacht Club or at the Swim and Racquet Club for the 2021 season should contact Jessica Conaway at the Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052. Although we carry a waiting list, it is best to get in an application so we have your contact information.

From the Recreation and Parks Department to you and your family, we would like to wish you a happy, healthy and wonderful holiday season. Stay safe, wear your mask, and forward to seeing you back in the Recreation Department very soon.