Ocean City launches new Bayside Park. Get a look at all it has to offer

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
·2 min read
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Ocean City's Downtown Recreation Complex has a new face and a new name.

Together, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department and elected town officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Bayside Park on Thursday, May 30. The two-block park area is adjacent to the Assawoman Bay between 3rd and 4th streets.

Construction on the park and Ocean Bowl Skate Park began in the fall of 2023. Council members voted 4-3 in favor of the official new name at a recent Town Council meeting.

The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Bayside Park at 3rd Street on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Bayside Park at 3rd Street on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

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Bayside Park features brand-new inclusive amenities

The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Bayside Park at 3rd Street on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Bayside Park at 3rd Street on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

The west-block infrastructure includes property elevation, improved bayside boardwalk access, the addition of head-in parking along 4th Street, as well as the installation of walking paths, benches and two new playground areas, said the town in a May 30 news release.

The playground area is inclusive and features Quiet Grove Sensory Play Equipment, courtesy of the Ocean City Development Corporation.

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The equipment is specifically designed for children with developmental disabilities, such as autism. The playground also features a communication board, a form of alternate communication for those who are non-verbal or minimally verbal.

Additionally, the east-block of the park includes an expansion of the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, installation of a new multi-court surface for both tennis and pickleball play, and reconstruction of the basketball courts, the release stated.

Construction work to complete the Ocean Bowl Skate Park expansion project Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, in Ocean City, Maryland. The anticipated opening will be during the Summer of 2024.
Construction work to complete the Ocean Bowl Skate Park expansion project Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, in Ocean City, Maryland. The anticipated opening will be during the Summer of 2024.

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“I am thrilled that the Bayside Park at 3rd Street is completed for our community to enjoy,” said Recreation & Parks Director Susan Petito.

“This reimagining project has been long in the works and I am grateful to the Mayor and Council, the Ocean City Development Corporation, and all of the dedicated town staff and community members who have supported the effort, recognized its importance and helped it become a reality," Petito added.

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City's newest park launches with ribbon-cutting. All to know.