OCEAN CITY – With Ocean City gearing up for the summer season, staff presented an update on the latest happenings at the town’s golf course and tennis center.
During a Recreation and Parks Commission meeting earlier this month, Eagle’s Landing Golf Course Superintendent Joe Perry reported Worcester County has completed the installation of sewer lines along Route 611 and both Eagle’s Landing Golf Course and the Worcester County Humane Society have been tied in, which will ultimately lead to a new spray irrigation system at the golf course.
Last summer a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formed between the County and Town of Ocean City to construct a new spray irrigation system at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course.
The County Commissioners built a new Wastewater Treatment Plant for the residential community of Mystic Harbour in West Ocean City. The new irrigation system will allow the treated wastewater effluent from the new Mystic Harbour Wastewater Treatment Facility to be stored and spray irrigated on golf course lands.
The current irrigation system that maintains the golf course is about 25 years old and has been a top priority for replacement for years. The financial impact for the city in capital improvements, credit for equity and future capital charges and compensation for 40 years of EDU charges is a benefit valued over $2 million.
The Worcester County Humane Society had been dealing with a failing septic system for years and prior to the shelter connecting to the recently installed sewer lines Ocean City spent $35,000 a year on disposal of the wastewater at the animal shelter, which will now be decreased to practically nothing.
According to Perry, four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been received to hire a spray irrigation consultant. However, the golf course is waiting on a go-ahead from the county as funding has not yet been secured.
Commission Chair Councilman Dennis Dare requested that Perry and Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito prepare a letter to the county detailing the timeline in which the work needs to be completed.
In general, Perry reported it was a slow winter season at Eagle’s Landing as temperatures were lower than normal and due to snow the golf course was closed from Feb. 17 to March 9. However, the golf course was up and running in time for the St. Patrick’s Day Tournament.
Next, Rod Dulany was reintroduced to the commission. After serving six years as executive director of the United States Tennis Association/Mid-Atlantic Section (USTA) Dulany has returned as the OC Tennis Center Director of Tennis for 2015.
Dulany, who has achieved the status of Master Professional in the USTA, reported the Tennis Center on 61st Street and the Bay and its programs are being revamped and improved in time for the 2015 summer season.
The facility is being power washed, stained and painted as well as the net posts will be replaced. The courts are having lines for age 10 and under and for age 8 and under added, which will allow for more children to participate in tournaments and play dates.
According to Dulany, the changes are being made to meet growing demands and demographics as well as are being funded by a USTA grant. The department is currently seeking an additional USTA grant to cover costs of prizes for tournaments and play dates.
“We had a struggling tennis program for a number of years, especially in making it cost effective. Rod was able to work some magic and was able to turn the program around. It is great to have you back,” Dare said.