Limited reopening of Ocean Pines outdoor recreation facilities

(May 7, 2020) Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, on Wednesday, announced he would broaden the list of outdoor activities allowed under the state’s stay-at-home order.  

“These directives have the unanimous support of the Maryland Coronavirus Recovery Team, including leading doctors and public health experts,” Hogan said in a release. 

Permitted outdoor activities under the broadened list include “individual and small group sports such as golfing, tennis, and similar activities; outdoor fitness instruction; recreational fishing and hunting; recreational boating; and horseback riding.” 

Hogan said state parks and playgrounds also would reopen, including state beaches, for walking and exercise.  

“Local governments will have the flexibility to take similar actions at their discretion. It will remain critical, however, that Marylanders continue to follow public health guidance and practice physical distancing,” he said.  

Based on the amended order, Ocean Pines plans to reopen the following: 

Ocean Pines Golf Club: 

Opening Saturday, May 9. Golf staff will email its entire database with further information, including procedures and restrictions.  

The Clubhouse building and Clubhouse Bar & Grille will remain closed until the state order is lifted. Additionally, walking and biking by nongolfers will no longer be allowed on the golf course. 

For more information or questions, call 410-641-6057, ext. 2. and leave a message if necessary. Staff will return all calls as soon as possible.  

Ocean Pines Racquet Center:  

Opening Thursday, May 14 at 7 a.m., for all normal activities. The Racquet Center will be closed from noon to 3 p.m., daily. 

Member tags may be picked up from staff onsite at the Racquet Center. New procedures have been put in place to keep players safe.

For more information or questions, call 410-641-5255. Questions specific to tennis, platform tennis or pickleball may be directed to the respective board president of each group.

White Horse Park: 

Opening on Saturday, May 9 for activities permissible in the statewide order: for walking and exercise only. The skatepark and all Ocean Pines playgrounds will remain closed until further notice. 

The Recreation and Parks Department will remain closed until the state order is lifted. However, staff are processing camp registration using the drop box outside the entrance of the Ocean Pines Community Center, on 235 Ocean Parkway.  

For more information or questions, call 410-641-7052. 

Beach Parking: 

Opening on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23. The Beach Club bathrooms will be staffed, and only a limited number of occupants will be allowed at a time. Only Beach Parking members and Ocean Pines homeowners and residents may use facilities. Staff will clean and disinfect the bathrooms each evening.  

The Beach Club Pool and Beach Club restaurant will remain closed until the state order is lifted.  

For general information or questions, call 410-641-5255. For information on Beach Club memberships, call 410-641-7717.

Ocean Pines Marinas: 

Marinas reopened on Friday, May 1 to allow slip holders to access boat slips. Limited service will be available. Gas pumps are open for gas and oil.  

For more information or questions, call 410-641-7052. 

Ocean Pines Dog Park: 

The membership renewal process will start on Monday, May 11. Applications and a list of membership requirements are available at the pick-up box outside the entrance of the Ocean Pines Community Center, on 235 Ocean Parkway. The adjacent drop box can be used to drop off payment, applications and current shot records. 

For more information or questions, call 410-641-7052. 

Ocean Pines Aquatics:  

All pool facilities will remain closed until the state order is lifted.  

For more information or questions, call 410-641-5255. 

Other facilities: 

Passive walking trails in Ocean Pines remain open. 

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club remains open for carryout and delivery only. The Yacht Club patio remains closed until further notice. 

Portable hand-washing stations, starting today, will be placed at the Golf Course, Racquet Center, White Horse Park, South Gate Walking Trail near the Veterans Memorial, and Yacht Club Marina. 

The statewide stay-at-home order continues to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people. Nonessential businesses also must remain closed. 

“Our team did a lot of work getting the facilities ready and benchmarking with what others are doing,” General Manager John Viola said. “We encourage everyone to use our outdoor facilities responsibly, and to continue to follow social distancing and other guidelines to help ensure the safety of themselves, and of others around them.” 

To read the entire executive order, visit https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gatherings-FIFTH-AMENDED-5.6.20.pdf.