Ocean City Preparing 34th Street Recreation Overhaul, New Public Safety Building

OCEAN CITY — As another busy summer season begins winding down, Ocean City is preparing to turn its attention to several major capital projects, including a substantial redevelopment of the 34th Street recreation complex, construction of a new public safety building and continued flood-mitigation work.

Councilman Jim Kelly outlined the projects Wednesday during an appearance on The Don Williams Show on WOND, saying the city intends to continue investing in infrastructure after the peak tourism season ends.

“Once we get past summer, we've got some big projects,” Kelly said.

One of the most visible will be the redevelopment of the recreation complex at 34th Street.

“It's going to be fantastic, Don,” Kelly said.

Plans include rebuilding the playground, adding a stage for smaller performances, resurfacing the tennis and pickleball courts and installing bathrooms.

“It's really going to bring to life that 34th Street corridor,” Kelly said.

The project follows reconstruction work on nearby Roosevelt Boulevard leading into the summer season.

New home for public safety

Kelly also highlighted another major project on the city's agenda: replacement of Ocean City's aging public safety facility.

“We have an important project coming up, and that is our public safety building,” Kelly said.

He said Ocean City's police force is central to the city's reputation as a safe family resort and needs a facility appropriate for a modern department.

“We all believe our Police Department is essential to the city and the safety,” Kelly said. “It's one of the things that makes Ocean City such a great place to live and visit.”

“They need a modern building to operate out of,” he added. “So we're going to replace the existing, the old building with a new public safety building.”

Flood mitigation remains long-term priority

Kelly said the city will also continue its flood-mitigation program, which he described as a long-term capital commitment with both quality-of-life and economic benefits.

“The flood mitigation has been successful,” Kelly said. “It's improving the quality of life in Ocean City.”

He pointed specifically to the effect Ocean City's flood-prevention efforts and building standards have had on insurance premiums.

“Everybody who owns a property in Ocean City and carries flood insurance receives a 30 percent discount on the base premium rate for flood insurance,” Kelly said.

“A lot of that has to do with the city's commitment to building codes, but also the flood mitigation.”

Replenished beaches heading into fall

Ocean City's capital work has not waited entirely for summer to end.

Kelly noted that the federal beach-replenishment project has been progressing along the city's north end, adding sand from the northern jetty through approximately 12th Street.

He characterized beach replenishment as essential infrastructure rather than simply an amenity for tourists.

“It protects our property. It protects our lives. It protects the city's economic viability,” Kelly said.

Kelly said those investments also position Ocean City for the increasingly important period after Labor Day.

The councilman described late summer and early fall as a significant “shoulder season,” when smaller crowds and warm weather continue bringing visitors to the resort.

“We're going to end the summer strong,” Kelly said. “We're going to go into the shoulder season with so many things to compel people to come down and spend a long weekend.”

But even as Ocean City markets itself to fall visitors, Kelly said the work of maintaining and improving the resort continues.

“We're going to continue investing in the city,” he said.

Kelly credited city employees involved in planning, bidding and executing the projects.

“It's a lot of work, and it's good work,” Kelly said. “And it's paying off.”