By Greg Ellison

(March 12, 2020) OPA President Doug Parks reported on internal committee matters, county funding requests and infrastructure updates during the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on Saturday.

After gathering dust in recent years, the OPA Strategic Planning Committee has just been kick started and had a meeting earlier that week, Parks said.

“They’re going to be an integral part of soliciting information from other committees [and] membership,” he said. “It’s good to see that committee back up and running.”

Moe Delcher was recently named strategic planning chairperson with Camilla Rogers assuming board liaison responsibilities.

Recent funding pursuits at the county level were also touched on by Parks.

“Last Tuesday, I attended a Worcester County Commissioners’ meeting and presented our funding requests for the year,” he said.

In line with prior years, Parks said county backing is being sought to help underwrite police operations, perform road repairs and help finance recreation and parks.

“We’ve been pretty consistent with those requests and they’ve been pretty consistent with meeting those requests for funding,” he said.

Parks also reported the advent of Comcast digital services in Ocean Pines is coming into sight.

“Comcast will be activating sector one on their map sometime in April,” he said.

After initial conversations started nearly two years ago, the OPA reached terms on a right of way contract with Comcast in September that will allow it to offer internet and cable TV services in the community.

During a town hall meeting in December, Comcast Director of Technical Operation Tom Yates said the installation of lines and equipment in first two sections, located in the northwest area of Ocean Pines, should be completed by the middle of 2020.

“It looks like they are on target for that,” Parks said. “There will be more information as they get closer to the actual delivery of services.”

Of more importance and immediacy, Parks also praised General Manager John Viola and OPA staff for posting a warning about the coronavirus (

OPA President Doug Parks, left, updates budget and infrastructure concerns while Vice President Steve Tuttle scans data during the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on Saturday.

) outbreak.

“There’s a public service announcement showing the OPA is aware and providing information to membership,” he said. “We encourage people to seek that and other information.”