New amenity to be available for use by the end of the year

By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer

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recreational pier and handicap accessible kayak launch in Pintail Park will be available for Ocean Pines residents to enjoy later this year. At its June 17 monthly meeting, the Board of Directors approved two contracts for the project at a combined cost of more than $80,000 to replace an existing pier and install a kayak launch gangway and floating pier.way and floating dock will be built on the southern portion of the park property. The Board awarded a contract to Gator Dock Marine Inc. for $61,160.49 for that project.

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Viola said the gangway and lower storage area for kayaks will make the use of kayaks in the community accessible to everyone.

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Following removal of a crabbing pier from the Whitetail Sanctuary section of Ocean Pines several years ago, the OPA began searching for a location for a new pier. The OPA reviewed other possible locations at the Wood Duck Isle Grand Canal, Swim and Racquet Club marina, and White Horse Boat Ramp.

The Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee and OPA staff concluded that because of availability of parking, portable bathrooms and handicap access, Pintail Park was the better location.

The existing Pintail Park pier is decades old and replacement will be funded from the replacement reserves, Viola said. A contract was awarded to Gator Dock Marine Inc. in the amount of $19,429.80 for the replacement of the small structure on the north end of the park that was removed during the 2022-23 bulkhead replacement program.

The new handicapped accessible kayak launch gang-

The Board also approved the purchase of an Alamo Timbercat sickle limb cutter at a cost of $21,783.31 from Atlantic Tractor LLC. Viola said this is a replacement piece of equipment that will help increase operational efficiencies for public works staff.

Finally, the Board approved the purchase of three John Deere Gators, a small truck-like vehicle with a flatbed, at a cost of $30,449.47 from Atlantic Tractor LLC. Viola said the purchase was budgeted and will come from the replacement reserve.

Meanwhile, Viola said staff is already developing some proposed fiscal year 2024-25 capital initiatives, including improvements to Bainbridge Park, boat ramp tolls, the new South Side fire station, a pavilion for the Veterans Memorial park, and golf course irrigation.

He called the Bainbridge Park project “a big initiative” but said the OPA will seek grants to help cover the cost of the project. He has formed a work group to investigate bringing the park into compliance with

Kayak launch

From Page 20 the Americans with Disabilities Act. The group is looking at replacing the playground and making it ADA accessible. Viola said he has discussed the project with two companies, including Gametime, which presented plans to ce3an the Recreation and Parks Committee last year.

Viola said he is reviewing the potential for charging fees for use of the Ocean Pines boat ramps and is gathering information about fees charged elsewhere in the area for use of boat ramps. So far, he has learned that all Worcester and Wicomico County boat launches are free for use.

He mentioned the possibility of fee collection booths at OPA boat ramps. It is generally acknowledged that the fees will be imposed on those who don’t live or own property in Ocean Pines.

On Assateague there is a $10 for in-state charge and $12 for out-of-state residents. Ocean City does not charge a fee for use of its 64th Street boat ramp, but required a $50 annual pass for use of the Caribbean Drive boat ramp. The Indian River Marina in Delaware doesn’t charge a fee if your

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