New additions add variety to resort’s downtown
T
Shops, events, restaurants and OC’s landscape itself among changes you’ll see he visual landscape in downtown Ocean City has some noticeable changes. The most obvious change is the new “beach ball” water tower at First Street, constructed in 2016 and functional as of February 2017. Less obvious is what is no longer visible. The water towers at Worcester Street (built in 1955) and 15th Street (built in 1959) were dismantled in February 2017. The colorful new
tower not only replaces the two aging towers, but also serves as a visual response to the question “Are we there yet?” Another change to downtown that is relatively invisible is the conversion from propane gas to natural gas. Sandpiper Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities, has been moving progressively closer and closer to Ocean City over the past few years. Lines were extended beneath the bay floor and although there are only currently approximately 200 residences/businesses fully converted at this time, the expectation is to con-
vert 3,500 accounts over the next few years. A welcome addition to the Boardwalk landscape for families is a new playground located at North Division Street. The new Boardwalk playground was officially opened for fun on May 1. There are multiple fencedin play structures nestled between the Boardwalk and beach. An exciting new free event to downtown Ocean City this summer is “100 Nights of Lights.” Every evening from May 27 to Sept. 2, high-powered search lights installed in the area of North Division Street on the beach light up the sky in a synchronized
light show. The shows run nightly every 20 minutes from 9-11 p.m. There are some exciting businesses that are new to the downtown that will add to the already diverse offerings in the area. South Pole Ice Cream Roll — 10 N. Division St (Corner of North Division & Baltimore Avenue. An “Organic gastronomic experience.” This is NOT your average ice cream shop. Watch as liquid cream is poured onto a minus 12-degree plate and turns into ice cream before your eyes! These Asian style ice cream rolls are handmade to order with only Continued on Page 8