Revamped downtown recreation complex in Ocean City has something for everyone
OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City now has a new place to play. Town leaders say the refresh of the downtown recreation complex was both long overdue, and much needed.
New Amenities For All
The space has played host to countless memories, serving as a beloved gathering place for decades.
“All of those activities got people really invested in this space, and now, we see the need to modernize it, to bring it into the future,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
You name it, the complex has it: Basketball, pickle ball and tennis, a new fishing pier, inclusive playgrounds, and a large lawn to lounge and play. The town’s Director of Parks and Recreation, Susan Petito, called the work a labor of love.
“We’ve broken down fences, and we have elevated the property to help us with the flooding issues that we have downtown, we have beautiful green open space,” Petito said. “Everything we do in Ocean City is geared toward our residents, but we also have to keep our visitors in mind. And, this park is providing equity and inclusivity. That’s why we want everyone to be able to enjoy.”
Grinding Away
The historic Ocean Bowl skate park is one of the gems of the complex. It was opened in 1976, and is the oldest municipal skate park in the world.
It’s that unique history that Petito says makes it worth preserving and improving. First, officials asked the skaters themselves what was missing.
“It seems like the skaters of today are really looking for more of those street-type elements,” Petito said. “Grindline Skateparks has done an amazing job in helping to design and build the expansion, that I think we really needed.”
At this time, the facelift at the skate park is still some steps away from being complete. Crews were out Thursday, working on the finishing touches of some more new features, as skaters whizzed around in the open section of the park.
For Residents and Visitors Alike
And, not only is the complex geared towards keeping Ocean City active; Mayor Meehan says it’s already attracting out-of-towners.
“I’ve already seen the cars parked and the visitors with their kids up on playground,” Mayor Meehan said. “Of course, everything is free to come out here and just enjoy it. You see them out here all the time. I think it’ll be a big attraction for tourists.”
Looking ahead, Mayor Meehan says keeping up with the times is going to keep the park attractive and full of activity.
“Nobody heard of pickle ball ten years ago, and those are the things that we need to have here, want to have here,” Mayor Meehan said. “This is a beautiful open space, and opening it all the way up back here to the bay for the fishermen, I just think that you’re going to see that this is going to be one of the most utilized spaces in Ocean City.”
The downtown recreation complex is located between 3rd and 4th Streets on the bayside. It’s free and open to all to enjoy.
