Ocean Pines to reopen outdoor dining facilities

(May 29, 2020) Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, on Wednesday, announced that prior successful reopenings as well as improvements in key metrics related to the state’s COVID-19 recovery would lead to an expanded list of permissible outdoor activities.

Starting on Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m., the state will allow outdoor dining facilities to reopen under certain conditions.

“Though we continue to make great progress toward recovery, COVID-19 is still very much a deadly threat, and our responsible behavior is absolutely critical in the continued efforts to defeat it,” Hogan said in a release. “Thankfully, the vast majority of our citizens clearly understand that while doing things like avoiding crowds, practicing distancing, and wearing masks may be inconvenient, that these are some of the best tools we have to continue to slow the spread of this virus, and to put us in a position to rebuild and restore our economy, and to finally defeat this invisible enemy.”

Hogan said a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 does not mean there is no risk, and he continued to “stress the importance of staying home as much as possible, avoiding crowds of people, teleworking when possible, practicing physical distancing, wearing masks in indoor public areas, and avoiding public transportation unless it is absolutely necessary,” according to the release. 

Based on the expanded list of permissible outdoor activities, Ocean Pines plans to reopen the following: 

Outdoor Dining:

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club will open for outdoor dining starting on Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. The Beach Club will open for outdoor dining on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting on Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m., and the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille will open for outdoor dining on Saturday, May 30 at 8 a.m.
 
Delivery service will continue at the Yacht Club  through Sunday, May 31. All three restaurants will offer carryout service during normal business hours. 

According to Hogan’s latest executive order, all restaurants must:

•    Ensure patrons are appropriately distanced with no more than six people seated at a table, with the exception of members of the same household.
•    Ensure patrons are seated at least six feet away from each other, except for households seated together.
•    Use single-use disposable paper menus or sanitize reusable menus between each seating.
•    Sanitize outdoor tables and chairs between each customer seating.
•    Train staff in current COVID-19 health and workplace guidelines.
•    Begin screening procedures including daily temperature checks of all staff.
•    Ensure staff wear masks or face coverings when interacting with other employees or patrons.

For more information or questions, call 410-641-7501.

Pools:

An announcement on pool reopenings will be made, next week. 

Ocean Pines Golf Club: 

Opened on Saturday, May 9, with safety procedures in place. 

The Clubhouse building will remain closed until further notice. Additionally, walking and biking by nongolfers is no longer 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:  

Opened on Thursday, May 14, with safety procedures in place. 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.

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: 

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

The Community Center and Recreation and Parks Department will also remain closed until further notice. However, some registration forms are available now by 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: 

Opened on Saturday, May 23, with safety procedures in place. 

The Beach Club bathrooms are 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.    

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

Ocean Pines Marinas: 

Opened on Friday, May 1 to allow slip holders to access boat slips, and with safety procedures in place. 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 began 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. 

Administration:

The Administration building is closed to the public and will temporarily accept payments by phone and drop box only.

During this time, assessments and memberships may be paid by calling 410-641-7717 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), or by using the drop box inside the Administration building foyer, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Ocean Pines Administration Building is on 239 Ocean Parkway, in Ocean Pines.
For email questions, email [email protected].

Other facilities: 

Passive walking trails in Ocean Pines remain open. 

Portable hand-washing stations are available at the Golf Course, Racquet Center, White Horse Park, South Gate Walking Trail near the Veterans Memorial, and Yacht Club Marina. 

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

“We continue to follow statewide procedures for safety and phased reopening, based upon Gov. Hogan’s orders,” General Manager John Viola said. “The safety of our staff and of our homeowners and residents continues to be the top priority.

“From Public Works, to Rec and Parks, Golf, Food and Beverage, Membership, and Aquatics, our team, across the board, has done a lot of work in getting Ocean Pines facilities ready to reopen. They have also provided key benchmarks on what others are doing,” Viola continued. “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 latest version of Hogan’s executive order, visit https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gatherings-7th-AMENDED-5.27.20.pdf.