Ocean Pines Demographic Survey 2008

 

 

Table Of Contents

 

 

   Subject                                                                                                                    Page   

 

  I.  Methodology and Sample Characteristics                                                           2-3

 

 II. Executive Summary                                                                                               4

 

III. Narrative Analysis                                                                                             5-24

  Tables                                                                                                                                  

 

Table 1. Why Move?                                                                                                     7

 

Table 2. Core Satisfaction                                                                                             8

 

Table 3. Why Ocean Pines?                                                                                          9

 

Table 4. Amenity Usage                                                                                             10

 

Table 5. Household Participation                                                                                11

 

Table 6. Combined Yearly Use                                                                                   12

 

Table 7. Non-OP Golf                                                                                                            14

 

Table 8. Restaurant Improvements                                                                             15

 

Table 9. Pool Improvements                                                                                       16

 

Table 10. Watercraft Launch Use                                                                               17

 

Table 11. Non-OP Boat Storage                                                                                 18

 

Table 12. OPA News Source                                                                                      20

 

Table 13. Web Site Improvements                                                                              22

 

Table 14. Internet Connectivity                                                                                  23

 

 

I.  Methodology

 

            Zogby International was commissioned by the Ocean Pines Association to conduct a mail-in survey of adults with property in Ocean Pines during April and May, 2008.

            The sample is 3,601 interviews with approximately 67 questions asked. Surveys were mailed postage prepaid to Ocean Pines property owners.  The margin of error is +/- 1.7 percentage points. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. It is also important to note that within the demographic analysis, some sample sizes are small, particularly those who have lived in Ocean Pines for less than one year.

    II. Sample Characteristics

Sample Characteristics	Frequency	Valid Percent*
Sample size	3601	100
OP primary residence	2210	62
OP seasonal residence	942	27
OP vacation getaway	207	6
OP rental property	133	4
Unimproved lot	47	1
Other	12	0
Did not answer residency	50	--
18-29	33	1
30-39	122	4
40-49	305	9
50-59	727	22
60+	2079	64
Did not answer age	335	--
High school graduate	456	13
Some college	824	24
Vocational	92	3
College graduate	1179	34
Post graduate	920	27
Did not answer education	130	--
Married	2713	78
Single	134	4
Divorced/Widowed/Separated	566	16
Civil union	48	1
Not sure	3	--
Less than $25,000	116	4
$25,000-$35,000	175	6
$35,000-$50,000	318	12
$50,000-$75,000	604	22
$75,000-$100,000	521	19
$100,000+	1037	37
Did not answer income	830	--

* Numbers have been rounded to the nearest percent and might not total 100.

 

II. Executive Summary

            While owners of property in Ocean Pines may have a variety of opinions about how the community and its amenities should be operated, most are satisfied with four core issues: Quality of life, community appearance, security and emergency service.

            As an overarching theme, property owners at Ocean Pines are happy with the community, as an astounding 93% say they are satisfied with the quality of life there, and half (50%) overall say they are very satisfied. Property owners are also generally satisfied with the community’s security (86%), appearance (84%), and emergency services (80%).

            Half of all property owners polled say they are happy with their ability to contact Ocean Pines management, and two-thirds say they are informed about decisions made by the Ocean Pines Association. An overwhelming number of respondents (89%) say they use the Internet and email (88%), and most (60%) say they would like to get information from the OPA via email. Three quarters (73%) say they also found the Ocean Pines Web site helpful, but having it updated more frequently would be the best way to improve upon that service.

            Most people say they decided to purchase property at Ocean Pines because of its location (78%) its value (48%), and slightly more than a third (36%) say the amenities are one of the reasons they decided to buy or rent. Property owners say they most use the Yacht Club, outdoor pools, the Beach Club, walking trails and parks, while the Terns Grille is the least utilized dining location, and tennis, basketball courts and platform tennis are the least used facilities. Almost a third (31%) say they use the playgrounds or indoor pools.

            A significant number of Ocean Pines property owners (26%) say they, or someone in their household is members of a social or civic organization that primarily consists of Ocean Pines residents.

            When it comes to improvements at Ocean Pines, respondents have a number of suggestions. At the golf course, the number one cited reason for not playing, outside of those who do not golf or who do not golf enough to justify membership, 17% say it is too expensive. At the Yacht Club, respondents say the menu, food quality and management are the most important issues to address, while price at the Beach Club is an issue for 11%.

            Once again, pocket books and wallets come to the forefront of suggestions for improvements at the Ocean Pines pool facilities. Lower prices are cited as the best way to improve enjoyment of outdoor pools (33%) and indoor pools (28%), followed by those who said extended hours would be an improvement. Price (21%) is also the main reason boat owners say they do not keep their vessel at the Ocean Pines marina.

III. Narrative Analysis

1. Is your Ocean Pines property your…

 

            Primary residence                                62%

            Seasonal or secondary residence         27

            Vacation getaway                                 6

            Rental property                                     4

            Unimproved lot                                     1

            Other*                                                   0

 

Other: Soon to be primary home (9); One of several properties (7); Weekend getaway (4); Retirement home (3); For family and friends (2)

One each: Have not built yet; I am trustee for my parents’ home; Retirement residence for my wife; We own a house and a lot; We still live in Baneer

 

            Two-thirds of respondents (62%) say that their Ocean Pines property is their primary residence, while about a quarter (27%) say that their property is a seasonal or secondary residence. Six percent say they use their Ocean Pines property as a vacation getaway, and 4% say they rent. One percent of those polled say their property is an unimproved lot.

 

            Single and divorced/widowed or separated respondents (76%) are more likely to say Ocean Pines is their primary residence, than those who are married (58%). People with an income of $35,000 or less (90%) are the most likely income bracket to say Ocean Pines is their primary residence, while those with more than $100,000 in household income (36%) are least likely to say the same, but are the most likely (46%) to say their Ocean Pines property is a seasonal or secondary residence.

 

 

2. If your Ocean Pines property is a rental, is it rented:

(intended only for those who say they rent)    

 

            Yearly                         74%

            Weekly                        12

            Seasonally                   11

            Other*                           3

            Does not apply              1

 

Other: Occasionally to friends (5); Rent to family (4); As requested (2); Sometimes rent (2)

One each: One-three times a year; Mini-week; Monthly; One month a year; Weekends; Whenever I can get somebody

 

            For those who rent, three quarters (74%) say they rent yearly, while 12% say they rent on a weekly basis. One in nine (11%) say they rent property at Ocean Pines seasonally.

 

3. How long have you owned property in Ocean Pines?

           

            Over 10 years              48%

            5-10 years                    26

            1-5 years                      24

            Less than a year            2

            Not sure                        0

 

            Almost half of all respondents (48%) say they have owned property in Ocean Pines for over 10 years, while 26% say they have owned property there for five to 10 years, and a quarter (24%) say they have been owners for one to five years. Two percent of respondents say they have owned property in Ocean Pines for less than a year.

 

            Residents over the age of 60 (56%) are more likely to say they have owned property in Ocean Pines for more than 10 years, than are those who are 50-59 (39%) and those ages 40-49 (30%).

 

 

4. If your Ocean Pines property is a secondary residence, what is your pattern of visiting? (choose all that apply)

 

            Summer                       57%

            Weekends                   56

            Winter                         25

            Once a month              25

            Holidays                      25

            Other*                         24

 

Other: Permanent residence/not applicable (138); Whenever we can (57); Occasionally (23); A few times a month (18); A few times a year (13); Spring and fall (13); Every week (10); All year (7); Twice a month (7); Vacations (7); All of the above (5); No particular pattern (5); DNA (5); Weekends (4); There most of the time (3); Six months out of the year (2); Between rentals (2); For family and friends (2); It’s for sale (2)

One each: It’s a getaway for my children; An investment; It’s unimproved; I visit other residences monthly; Water bill association dues are too high and pool use should be included in the dues.

 

            For those who say their Ocean Pines property is a secondary residence, more than half (57%) say they visit in the summer, and a similar number (56%) say they visit on weekends. A quarter each says they visit in the winter, once a month, or on holidays.

5. Do you plan to move to Ocean Pines fulltime within the next five years?

           

            Yes                              10

            No                               28

            Already fulltime          44

            Not sure                      17

 

            While a plurality of respondents (44%) are already full-time residents, 28% say they have no plans to move to Ocean Pines fulltime within the next five years, while one in 10 (10%) say they do have plans to move in fulltime. Seventeen percent of respondents say they are not sure if they will move to Ocean Pines fulltime within the next five years.

 

            Those ages 50 to 59 (16%) are most likely age group to say they have plans to move to Ocean Pines fulltime within the next five years.

 

 

6. If you plan to move away from Ocean Pines in the next 10 years, could you please tell us why? (Choose all that apply)

 

Table 1. Why Move?

	%
I am not planning to move	41
Rules and regulations	16
Unhappy with community	13
Taxes	13
Desire to live in a different area	11
Better value elsewhere	10
Family/health issues	10
Retirement	4
Other	15
Not sure	14

 

Other: Association fees too high (99); Board decisions/mismanagement (43); Assessment fees too high (30); It’s getting too expensive (18); Lack of proper upkeep (14); Too old (14); Amenities poor or too expensive (11); Too crowded or noisy (11); A death in the family (9); It’s not convenient (9); Move closer to the beach (8); Need a warmer climate (8); Water/utility bills still too high (8); Want to upgrade (8); Job transfer (6); Rules not enforced fairly (6); Want to downsize (4); Too many renters (4); House is already for sale (2); Unsatisfied with police department (2); Too few elderly/senior residents (2)

One each: Allergies; don’t change anything; Don’t live there full time; It’s my future summer residence; Mosquitoes; Ocean Pines is run by senior citizens; Tired of the beach; Too many trees; I plan for other investments; Vacation home; You are gouging permanent residents

 

            A plurality of Ocean Pines residents (41%) say they do not have plans to move in the next 10 years, but the most cited reason for planning to move in the next 10 years is rules and regulations (16%), followed by those who are unhappy with the community or taxes (13% each). One in nine (11%) say they have a desire to live in a different area, and one in 10 (10%) say they can find better value elsewhere or have family or health issues.  Four percent say they plan on moving within the next 10 years because of retirement.

 

            Single residents (19%) are more likely than those who are married (13%) to say they are unhappy with the community, and married residents (42%) are more likely than those who are single (35%) to say they are not planning on moving away.

 

 

7. For each of the following questions, tell us if you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

 

Table 2. Core Satisfaction

	Satisfied			Dissatisfied			Not sure
	Very	Somewhat	Total	Somewhat	Very	Total
Quality of life	50	43	93	4	1	5	2
Security quality	48	38	86	4	2	6	7
Overall appearance	36	48	84	13	3	16	0
Emergency services quality	62	18	80	1	1	2	18
Rules and regulations	15	48	63	25	9	34	3
Enforcement of  rules	14	43	57	25	12	37	7

           

            Overall, Ocean Pines residents say they are satisfied with the quality of life there (93%), with half (50%) saying they are very happy. A vast majority of respondents (86%) say they are satisfied with the quality of security, the overall appearance (84%) and the quality of emergency services (80%). A majority (63%) say they are satisfied with the rules and regulations, and more than half (57%) say they are satisfied with the enforcement of the rules at Ocean Pines.

 

             Enforcement of the rules receives the most dissatisfied response (37%), followed by the overall appearance of Ocean Pines (16%).

 

            Bearing in mind the small sample size, those who have lived in Ocean Pines for less than a year (60%) are most likely to say they are very satisfied with the quality of life, followed by similar numbers of those who have lived there for one to five years (51%), five to 10 years (50%), and more than 10 years (48%). Satisfaction with security and overall appearance is similar throughout demographic groups.

 

            When it comes to emergency services, those who have lived at Ocean Pines for more than 10 years (68%) are most likely to say they are very satisfied with the service compared to those who have owned property for one to five years (49%) who say the same.

 

8. Why did you decide to buy or rent property in Ocean Pines? (Choose all that apply)

 

Table 3. Why Ocean Pines?

	%
Location	78
Value	48
Amenities	36
Investment	27
Proximity to friends/family	26
Sense of community	23
Job opportunities	3
Other	11
Not sure	2

 

Other: Waterfront/close to ocean (75); Retirement home (50); Beautiful area (30); Affordable (28); A getaway or vacation home (20); It’s safe (16); Spent time there as a child (14); Close to Ocean City (13); Convenient location (12); Boating (11); Quiet (10); Taxes (10); The Parke (9); The schools (9); Golfing (8); Inheritance (8); Public water and sewer (5); Tennis facilities (4); Warmer weather (4); All of the above (3); Turned out to be a mistake (3); Too make money (2); Near the church (2)

One each: Health; Need to enforce noise regulations causing me to move out; Not near chickens; The local police and ER services good response time. Also near the hospital; When we bought here we could use all amenities, they were free then; When we moved here amenities were affordable, some were even free.

 

            A strong majority (78%) say they decided to buy or rent property in Ocean Pines because of location, a stance that is consistent among all age and income demographics. Half (48%) say they made their decision to buy property in Ocean Pines because of the value. One third (36%) say they bought property in Ocean Pines because of the amenities available.

 

            A quarter of respondents (26%) say they bought property in Ocean Pines because of proximity to family and friends, while a similar number (27%) say they bought property in Ocean Pines as an investment. Twenty-three percent of respondents say they bought property in Ocean Pines because of the sense of community it offers.

9. How reasonable would you say homeowners’ association fees are at Ocean Pines, considering the services and amenities?

 

            Very reasonable                      16%                 Reasonable                 57%

            Somewhat reasonable             41

            Somewhat unreasonable         25                    Unreasonable             40

            Very unreasonable                  15

            Not sure                                    3

 

            A majority of all respondents (57%) say the homeowners’ association fees at Ocean Pines are reasonable, with 41% saying they are somewhat reasonable, and 16% saying they are very reasonable. Forty percent say the fees are unreasonable, with a quarter (25%) calling them somewhat unreasonable, and 15% saying they are very unreasonable. Opinions about homeowners’ association fees are similar among all ownership demographics.

10. Do you or anyone in your household use or plan to use any of the following Ocean Pines amenities:

 

Table 4. Amenity Usage

	%
Yacht Club	56
Outdoor pools	51
Beach Club	50
Walking trails	42
Parks	41
Indoor pools	31
Playgrounds	31
Golf course	27
Boat launch area	24
Terns Grille	19
Meeting space	16
Tennis	8
Basketball courts	5
Platform tennis	4
Other	6

 

Other: Too expensive to use amenities (15); Marina (13); Beach parking (9); Library (6); Community gardens (6); Country Club (6); Community center (6); Crab Pier (5); Events, like concerts (5); Bike paths (5); Fishing (4); Ponds (4); Softball/baseball fields (4); Canals (2); Cards (2); Build skateboard park (2); None of them (56)

One each: Add a rec center like Snow Hill; Add Shuffleboard Court; Aerobic Classes; Dept. Rec trips; Golf course underutilized – spent too much money in the grill section; Golf if it were more reasonably priced; Golf is NOT an amenity! Remain competitive or loose members!; Since to use the tennis courts I must have a membership, I go outside OP; Need better trails; Open space by lake; Paddle ball; People living on golf course should be assessed more than people who live on back lots; Ping Pong; Recycling station; Reinstate plans for building ice skating arena; Restaurants in the South Gate; Sports Core; The golf course should be sold or it must break even. It cannot be losing money every year; The water is too cold; The Yacht Club has an awful fly problem

            A majority of respondents say they use, or plan to use, the Yacht Club (56%), and half say they use, or plan to use the outdoor pools (51%) and the Beach Club (50%). Forty-two percent say they use the walking trails, and 41% say they take advantage of the parks. About a third (31% each) say they use, or intend to use the indoor pools and playgrounds, while 27% say they use the golf course, and a quarter (24%) say they use the boat launch area. 

           

            The Yacht Club, Beach Club and outdoor pools are most popular among all Ocean Pines ownership demographics. For those ages 50 to 59 (56%) and 60 or older (60%), the Yacht Club is the most used amenity at Ocean Pines, while those ages 30-39 (62%) and 40-49 (64%) say the outdoor pools are most used.

           

11(A-K).  How often do you or anyone in your household use, or participate in each of the following….  (please choose only one)

 

Table 5. Household Participation

	Never	Rarely	A few times a year	A few times a month	Once a week	A few times a week	Not sure
Golf away from OP?	54	9	18	8	4	6	1
Play golf at the OP Golf course?	65	16	10	3	1	5	1
Dining at the Yacht club?	20	30	38	9	2	1	1
Dining at Beach Club Restaurant?	51	24	18	4	1	1	1
Dining at the Tern Grille?	61	22	9	3	1	1	2
Outdoor pools	36	16	22	11	3	10	1
Indoor pool	64	11	10	5	1	5	3
Tennis courts	86	6	3	1	0	2	1
Platform  tennis	93	4	1	0	0	1	1
Recreational programs	67	17	10	2	1	2	2
Community Hall	54	22	14	4	2	2	2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (A combined look at those who say a few times a year, a few times a month, once a week, or a few times a week in question 11 A-K)

 

Table 6. Combined Yearly Use

	%
Dining at Yacht Club	50
Outdoor pools	46
Golf away from OP	36
Dining at Beach Club	24
Community hall	22
Indoor pool	21
Play golf at OP	19
Recreational programs	15
Dining at Tern Grille	14
Tennis courts	6
Platform tennis	2

                       

            Outdoor pools at Ocean Pines are the most frequently used facility on a weekly basis, with one in 10 respondents (10%) saying they go to the pool a few times a week, and one in nine (11%) say they use the outdoor pools a few times a month. Twenty-two percent of respondents say they use the outdoor pools a few times a year. 

 

            Combined figures show that 50% of Ocean Pines property owners say they dine at the Yacht Club at least a few times a year (38%), and 9% say they dine there a few times a month.

 

            More than a third of all respondents (36%) say they play golf at places other than Ocean Pines throughout the year. A quarter of combined respondents say they dine at the beach club during the year and 22% say they use the community hall on a yearly basis.

 

            Twenty-one percent say they use the indoor pools at least on a yearly basis and 19% say they golf at Ocean Pines at least annually. Five percent of respondents report playing golf at Ocean Pines a few times a week.

           

            Platform tennis courts are consistently cited as the least-utilized facility, with 93% saying they never play, followed by 86% who say they never play traditional tennis at Ocean Pines.

12. Are you or anyone in your household a member of, or a participant in, a social or civic organization that primarily consists of Ocean Pines residents?

 

            Yes                  26%

            No                   74

            Not sure            0

 

Other: Women’s Club (141); Garden Club (120); Boating Club (107); AARP (95); Cards [bride-pinochle-poker] (92); Angler’s Club/Fishing (76); Golfing Clubs (59); Craft Club (56); Kiwanis (50); Shape-ups (45); Democratic clubs (44); Friends of the Library (43); Red Hats (43); Power Squadron (36); Swimmin’ Wimmin/pool (35); Tennis (33); Square dancing/line dancing (32); Quilters-by-the Sea (26); Pinetones (25); Bowling Club (21); Republican clubs (21); Book Club (19); Camera Club (19); Choir/singing groups (19); Optimist Club (18); Veterans Memorial (17); Community church (16); The Parke (16); Merry Widows and Widowers (16); Mah Jongg Club (14); Quester (12); NY Metropolitan Club (11); Ocean Pine committees/B of D (11); Atlantic General Hospial auxilliary (10); Chamber of Commerce (10); Beta Sigma Phi (9); Planning committee (8); OPMGA (7); Lions (7); Volunteer Firefighters (7); Ping Pong (6); Neighborhood Watch (6); Retired Registered Nurses (6); Diabetes Support Group (5); Players (9); PEO (8)

Dining clubs (7); Romeos (5); Star Charities (4)

Three each: Recipe Group; Delmarva Cat Connection; NARFF; MSSA; Yacht Club; Elks; Scouts; Parks and Recreation; American Legion

Two each: Geezers Club; Knights of Columbus; Marina Village HOA; Country Club; Marlin Club; Marine Corp; Man-to-Man Group; MISCA; Sojourners; Beach Club; Wine Club; Juliets;

Wellness Center; Happy Hour; B&F Club; Seabreeze Sundowners; Bikers; Worchester Wheelmen

One each: Ponytail Softball; OCPHC; Pine Points Marina; Newsletter Editor; ARC; Art League of OC; Colonial Village HOA; Masons; Attitudes; Young at Heart; Believe in Tomorrow; Powerheads; Sons of Italy; Bingo; DAR; Parrothead Club; Exercise Club; Radio Airways; Memoirs; Yoga; VFW; Women Supporting Women; ALS; Mardel Social Club; Long Island Club; Al-Anon; Knitting Group; Concerts; Grief Support; Tax Aide programs; Marathons; GAR; Senior League Club; Points Reach Board Member; Red Cross; Recreational activities for children; The Points HOA; Mumfords Landing Colonial HOA; Berlin Nursing Home; WCRG; Women’s Bible study

 

            A quarter of all respondents say they, or a member of their household is a member or participant in a social or civic organization that primarily consists of Ocean Pines residents. Three quarters (74%) say neither they nor other members of their household are members of any social or civic organization of Ocean Pines residents.

 

13. If no one in your household plays at the Ocean Pines golf Course, please tell us why:

(choose all that apply)

 

Table 7. Non-OP Golf

	%
No golfers in home	57
I do not play enough to justify membership	21
It is too expensive	17
I play at another course	15
My golfing friends play elsewhere	10
Tee times are hard to get	7
It is too crowded	2
The course is not well maintained	2
I do not like the clubhouse	2
I do not like the layout of the course	1
Other	10
Not sure	2

 

Other: Too expensive/better value elsewhere (51); poor attitude against non-members-/unwelcoming atmosphere (38); do not play (37); health issues (30); not full time resident (22); belongs to other clubs/enjoys playing other courses (17); poor management (15); slow play (13); New to area/golf (11); no time to play (11); tee time problems (8); does not like course (5); should be included in OP fees (4); members should pay full cost of course (3); plays and enjoys (3); poor condition (3).

Two each: poor food; no weekend memberships

One each: I am a widow; A lot of other causes to choose from; individuals are copying Beach Club passes, not fair; Last year they tried to convert a community course to a private one resulted in loss of 24%members; Lease to a private co; Our guests not allowed to walk the court to observe; Publicity, entertainment; Sell the gulf course; Seniors make all the decisions; Since you got rid of Beckerman I may play more often; this question makes no sense; Too many reasons to list; Too many rules.

 

            Citing no golfers in the home is the main reason Ocean Pines property owners say no one in their household plays golf at Ocean Pines (57%), followed by 21% who say they do not play enough to justify membership at the course. One in six (17%) say they do not play at Ocean Pines because membership is too expensive, while 15% say they play at another course. One in 10 (10%) say they do not play at Ocean Pines because their friends play elsewhere and 7% say tee times are hard to get.

14. What areas need the most improvement in each of the following restaurants?

 

Table 8. Restaurant Improvements

	Service	Menu	Food quality	Pricing	Management	Nothing	Other	Not sure
Yacht Club	21	26	26	23	26	14	9	27
Beach Club	5	7	7	11	6	16	6	58
Tern Grille	4	6	6	7	5	9	4	73

 

           

            When it comes to improvements at the Yacht Club, similar numbers of respondents (26% each) say the menu, food quality and management at the restaurant need improvement, while 14% say nothing needs to change.

 

            At the Beach Club, a majority say they are not sure what needs to change, but pricing is mentioned by one in nine respondents (11%). At  the Tern Grille, 73% say they are not sure what needs to change.

 

15. If you answered “Other” for any of the restaurants, please tell us what you would change.

 

Other: Improve service/management (82); Do not use (39); Improve atmosphere/appearance/renovate (38); More food variety/quality/consistency (37); Improve hours of operation/more consistent hours (33); Reduce prices (29); Privatize or make profitable (28);  Fire Pudge (20); Improve cleanliness (18); Market/advertise more (14); Clean and improve Beach Club (14); Music too loud (10); Improve entertainment (9); More parking (4); Close them (3)

Three each: Happy with offerings; improve children’s’ food options/more children friendly; Not handicapped accessible

Two each: Use upstairs; happy hour specials

One each: Add bar outside; Allergy info. I was mislead. My wife had an allergic reaction to the cream; Always go elsewhere; Bar-More entertainment younger crowd; Bartenders need training as to manners & courtesy; Bathrooms, showers, changing area; Bring back draft beer & bacon sandwich; Can't afford to eat out; Can't compete with other local restaurants; Can't smoke

Cater to ALL age groups; Catering for special affairs at Country Club should be better; Cocktails/glasses too small. Improve like the other restaurants; Cold in winter, very uncomfortable; Convenience; Easter Buffet BAD! Overcooked, No carving station, no distinctive dishes; Enforce checking membership cards in restaurant,. DO NOT SELL TO NON-MEMBERS; Entrance to North OP bridge , etc.; Fine dining option should be Thurs-Fri. Miss the Sunday brunch upstairs; Foreign dishes or evenings with a show; Get out of the mold; Get rid of the golfers; Get the kitchen at country club modern Reopen country club as a restaurant open for lunch and dinner; Groups gather early to reserve tables until late in the evening; Joe is a gem, not his boss though; Joe needs to stay at the Yacht club; Keeping all up to current fire codes!

Larger outside bar area; Larger tables at Yacht Club; Let people stand when there are plenty of tables empty but not set up; long delays during summer; long wait lines at beach club; Make changes so the bldg can be used year round, for weddings etc; Make it more upscale. Need less casual places to go; More positive reports from news media. Too many restaurants in this area; More player support; Mr. Rupert must be replaced; Name change of yacht club; Need a better set up to order, too congested; No docking available for boats to eat lunch or dinner; No fee for residents; No smoking in the pool area of the Yacht and Pool Club. Critical issue; Not equal to ANY of the local competition; OP shouldn't be in the restaurant business; Organize evenings at the beach club; run specials to attract people off season; Seating arrangements; Should have snacks at the bar like before; Shower area at Beach Club needs major remodeling; Temporary docking for the dinner; The manager does a good job. Too much interference from The Pines; The Yacht Club WAS one of the best; They have 3 restaurants always in the hole; Too many changes over the years; Too much chlorine- Allergic; We need a view of the course from the bar; need off season to dance; Would support mandated minimum usage ($40.00 yr) including beach parking; Yacht Club caters to the older generation, especially with music. Terns Grill to far; Yacht Club is always used for certain events, therefore we are unable to use it.

 

16. What could be done to improve your enjoyment of the Ocean Pines pools.

(Choose all that apply)

 

Table 9. Pool Improvements

	Better maintenance	Lower prices	Extended hours	More adult-only options	Improve temp	Nothing	Other	Not sure
Outdoor pools	5	33	18	12	8	19	8	27
Indoor pool	2	28	9	7	5	16	7	43

 

            One-third of respondents (33%) say lower prices would improve their enjoyment of the outdoor pools at Ocean Pines; followed by 19% say nothing needs to change and 18% who say extended hours would improve their enjoyment of the outdoor pools.

 

            For indoor pool enjoyment, a plurality of respondents (28%) say lower prices would help, followed by 16% who say nothing needs to change and 9% who say extended hours would help.

 

 

17. If you answered “Other” for any of the above pools, please tell us what you would change.

 

Other: Include membership in association fees (72); More seats, tables, umbrellas (27)

General maintenance is lacking (26); Close indoor pool; losing money (23); Flexible pricing schedule (21); Extend operating hours (20); Lifeguards need to be more attentive (17); Clean the bathrooms (15); Add diving board/slides (12); More food choices (11); Family memberships (10); Pools are too crowded (10); Provide guest passes (10); Keep adults only pool (9); Keep the lap lanes open (9); Do not allow non-members to use the pools (9); Poor management (8); Allow food and drinks at the pool (6); Happy with the pools (6); Heat the pools (6); Use something besides chlorine (5); Do not allow people to reserve seating around the pool (4); Do not allow children in diapers to use pools (3)

Remove the cover for the indoor pool (3); More information (3); Use the pool in The Parke (3); Rather use the beach (3); More amenities for the indoor pool (2); Put a pool in the south (2)

One each: Access to indoor pool from the locker room; Aggressive marketing to the general public; Change plans which ecologically destroy beach in OP ay swim & racquet club; Keep basketball out of shallow end; Make all pools family pools; Music; Music at Yacht Club should be directed to Older prop owners/Beach Club should be updated & needs air condition./Country Club should be used as in past; Need soundproofing noise coming  from the first floor; New children’s pool area- updated slides, interactive more like a playground with water; Real changing rooms for winter swims; Repair boardwalk areas-Splinters-nails/screws are sticking up, also at the Beach Club!; Swim & racquet pool need overhaul, better seating; To be able to use floats or pool toys; Too many senior programs; Try to emulating whisker; Water exercise programs; We should have theme parties. Beach/Mexican, Italian etc.; Would like a bigger dance floor; Would love to see a masters team developed; Yacht Club, Swim and Racquet Clubs need to be replaced with concrete.

 

18. Do you or anyone in your household own a boat?

 

            Yes                  35%

            No                   65

            Not sure            0

 

            About one in three property owners at Ocean Pines (35%) say they own a boat, while two-thirds (65%) say they do not.

 

19. How often do you or any guests use the watercraft launching sites in Ocean Pines?

 

Table 10. Watercraft Launch Use

	%
Never	57
Rarely	13
A few times a year	15
A few times a month	4
Once a week	1
Does not apply	9
Not sure	1

 

            Most people (57%) say they never use the watercraft launching sites in Ocean Pines, while 13% say they rarely use the sites. Overall, 20% say they use watercraft launching sites on a yearly basis.

 

 

20. If you do own a boat, where do you keep it?

           

            On my own property                           77%

            Other marina                                       15

            At the Ocean Pines marina                   8

 

Other: Pines Point (48); with friends or family (14); Ocean City (11); primary residence (8); not sure (7); Sunset Marina (5); Rental slip (5); own property (5); Osprey point (4)

Three each: Fishing Center; Marina Village; Yacht Club; Chesapeake Bay;

Two each: Deal Island; Village Marina; White Horse; Cambridge

One each: On waiting list OP; 5PT Marina; 4 yrs on waiting list; A. A. County; aboard trailer

Annapolis; At a better location; better all around services; Boat lift; Cheaper; Closer to inlet.

creek side inn marina; currently looking for a dock facility; Delaware; dry dock in winter; Gum Pt Rd; Harford County Marina; Hoopers; In Baltimore; in Harford county; In MD; It's a kayak

Kent Island; Lake Anna, VA; Lift at Osprey point; Live on canal; My dock; My garage; North Bay Marina-Winter; offsite storage; Other area; Pasena MD; Private dock outside OP; RP Boat Sales; Severna Park, MD; Slip fees too high; Snow Hill; Somers Cove, Cambridge Yacht Club

Somers Cove, MD; St Augustine FL; Storage location; Sunset; Taylor Marine; Vans Marine Service; Waterfront Property Friends;

 

            For those who own a boat, a strong majority (77%) say they keep it on their own property, and 15% say they store their vessel at another marina. Eight percent of Ocean Pines respondents say they keep their boat at the Ocean Pines marina.

 

 

21.  If you do not keep a boat at the Ocean Pines marina, please tell us why.

 

Table 11. Non-OP Boat Storage

	%
Too expensive	21
Not convenient	10
No space available	10
I boat elsewhere	5
Other	22
Does not apply	32
Not sure	2

 

Other: Has own dock/slip/lift/trailer (75); keeps boat at home (24); lives on waterfront/canal (20); n/a does not own boat (16); boat too small (15); on waiting list (5); rude staff (4); no space (4)

Two each: Boat too big

One each: At son's residence; Bad mechanic; Bad rule: no access to boat ramp during the summer; Boat rental works better for me; Can't put clean water through engine, we need a lift; Close to the boat launch; don't live there yet; don't use enough to justify membership; don't want one; elderly; free elsewhere; friends house; have a better situation; have a boat at another facility; heard impossible to get a slip & too expensive; not comfortable or safe; not listed; not much water for sailboats; not necessary; not physically able; not protected from storms; OP needs boat space for visitors on daily rental basis; plan to buy one soon; private storage; rules allow for 1 boat; S&R Club Marina; season too short; shore side storage; son's  boat; SOP’S; store on site; take boat out of water; they need lifts; too busy; too many rules; water not deep enough; When we purchased property we were told boat launch at the Yacht Club would be in service, very disappointed when it was not open; Wilmington DE

 

            Those who do not keep their boat at Ocean Pines say it is either too expensive (21%), not convenient (10%) or there is no space available (10%). Almost a quarter (22%) says they have other reasons for not storing their boat at Ocean Pines.

 

22.  Communication with Ocean Pines management is:

           

            Very easy                                15%                 Easy                50%

            Somewhat easy                       35

            Somewhat difficult                 16                    Difficult          24

            Very difficult                            8

            Not sure                                  26

 

            Overall, half of Ocean Pines property owners say communications with Ocean Pines management is easy (50%), with 35% of those individuals saying it is somewhat easy, and 15% saying it is very easy. A quarter of all respondents (24%) say it is difficult to communicate with Ocean Pines management, with 16% saying it is somewhat difficult and eight percent saying it is very difficult.

 

            Those who say Ocean Pines is their vacation getaway (24%) are most likely to say communications with management is very easy, followed by seasonal residents (19%) and renters (18%), with primary residents the least likely to say the same (13%).

 

            Primary residents (10%) are more likely than those who use their property for vacation (4%) or as a seasonal or rental residence (4%), to say communications with management is very difficult.

 

 

23.  Do you think you are informed about decisions made by the Ocean Pines Association?

 

            Very informed                                    16%                 Informed        66%

            Somewhat informed               50

            Somewhat uninformed           18                    Uninformed   31

            Very uninformed                    13

            Not sure                                    4

 

            Most property owners in Ocean Pines (66%) say they think they are informed about decisions made by the Ocean Pines Association. Half (50%) say they are somewhat informed about the OPA decisions, while 16% say they are very informed. Thirty-one percent say they are uninformed about OPA decisions, with 18% saying they are somewhat uninformed and 13% saying they are very uninformed.

           

            Respondents who say Ocean Pines is a vacation getaway (25%) are most likely to say they are informed about decisions made by the OPA, followed by seasonal residents (18%) and primary residents (14%).

           

24. How do you receive information about decisions made by OPA? (Choose all that apply)

 

Table 12. OPA News Source

	%
Newspaper	72
Ocean Pines Report	56
Ocean Pines Web site	26
E-mail	21
Television	13
Other Web site	6
Other	7
Not sure	2

 

Other: From friends/community members (117); Mail (33); OP forum (27); Board meetings (11); Joe Reynolds (3)

One each: B&FAC; budget info vague & not broken down enough; Committee

Dave Stevens; discussions; free local paper; HOA; involved; never; not listed; Not often; only if free; OP Independent; Paper; Park newsletter; signs on BB; Sometimes never; still waiting for a response from a question asked in July '07. Don't like what I read in papers about board/management; too late for news on critical issues; TV if on WBOC; When we got the bill for the increase in fees

 

            Almost three quarters of respondents (72%) say they get information about decisions of the OPA through newspapers, while more than half (56%) say they get such information from the Ocean Pines Report. A quarter of all respondents (26%) say they get information about OPA decisions on the Ocean Pines Web site, and 21% say they find out through email. One in eight (13%) say they get their information from television.

 

            Those who say Ocean Pines is their primary residence (88%) are most likely to say they receive information about OPA decisions from newspapers, compared to 50% of seasonal residents, 40% of vacation residents and 35% of renters who say the same.

 

            Renters (75%) are more likely than seasonal residents (67%), vacationers (65%), and primary residents (67%) to say they get information about OPA decisions through the Ocean Pines Report, while primary residents (30%) are most likely to say they use the Ocean Pines Web site.

 

25.  Do you or anyone in your household use the Internet?

 

            Yes                  89%

            No                   11

            Not sure            0

 

            A vast majority of respondents (89%) say they, or others in their household use the Internet, while one in nine (11%) say they do not.

26.  Do you or anyone in your household use e-mail?

 

            Yes                  88%

            No                   12

            Not sure            0

 

            Email is used by a vast majority of respondents (88%), while 12% say they do not use email in their house.

 

27.  Would you be interested in receiving information about events and happenings at Ocean Pines via e-mail?

 

            Yes                  60%

            No                   33

            Not sure            7

           

            Overall, a majority of respondents (60%) say they would be interested in receiving information about events and happenings at Ocean Pines via email, while a third (33%) say they are not interested in receiving information that way.

 

28.  Have you ever visited the Ocean Pines Web site?

 

            Yes                  64%

            No                   35

            Not sure            2

 

            A majority (64%) say they have visited the Ocean Pines Webs site, while 35% say they have not.

 

29.  If you have visited the Ocean Pines Website, did you find it helpful?

 

            Yes                  73%

            No                   13

            Not sure          14

 

            For those who have been to the Ocean Pines website, most (73%) say they found it helpful, while one in eight (13%) say they did not, and one in seven are unsure (14%).

30.  What, if anything, would you suggest to improve the Ocean Pines Website?

 

Table 13. Web Site Improvements

	%
Update more frequently	21
Improve information availability	18
Make it easier to navigate	13
Make it look nicer	2
Other	4
Not sure	42

 

Other: Good as it is (21); don’t know (19); update information (9); add a calendar of events (7);

Four each: A directory; overhaul whole site

Three each: Maps; remove Web site

Two each: All of the above; club information

One each: 6 months ago it was nicer; Add a moderated forum; add a posting for new residents;

Address OP's priority rankings; not user friendly or very informative; Allow payment of dues; be able to print a food coupon without downloading a system; be able to respond by email directly to the site; brand new product store; break board meetings into segments by topic; Channel 78 needs clearer access; clearer picture; cover more Board of Dir. and OP management issues and initiatives; create links; do not want to pay for anything else; doesn't project OP as it is; don't own a computer; fishing report; Get rid of the forum; Give us all info not just the good reports.

Have current info use html and pdf; have someone reliable to answer email questions; hearing impaired; I didn't know we had a web site; I prefer the OP forum with Joe Reynolds; I use snail mail; If staff answered phones we wouldn't need the web; include menu with prices; Info re: trash pickup changes; Inform residents on use of the web site; large letters/bold print; list homes for sale; list pool/rest. Open hrs/days; list the time and temp there; lower cost to enjoy amenities; magnification of text under cursor, imbedded links; make it more comprehensive; make OPA recipients respond to contacts period; more interactive; more links; music is too outdated; must be interactive with membership; need a better search feature; need a help desk; need suggestions on how to contact services; need to compete as Forum Video coverage of board mtgs; Never saw it; News and info you can use; No fees; not looked recently; offer link for sales of cars, boats etc; probably one of the better things OPA does; Put rules & regs on a main tab; reduce taxes & fees

Restore accessibility to members of the board; special offers; stress entertainment; The colors they use are difficult to read; the pool memberships are hard to understand; too much for kids and seniors only; TRUTH.

 

            Updating the Ocean Pines Web site more frequently is the most common suggested improvement (21%), and 18% say improving information availability would help the Web site as well. One in eight (13%) say making the site easier to navigate would be an improvement.

                                               

31. How do you connect to the Internet?

 

Table 14. Internet Connectivity

	%
Cable broadband	46
DSL	35
Dial-up	12
Satellite	1
Other	3
Not sure	3

           

            A plurality of respondents (46%) say they connect to the Internet via cable broadband, and a third (35%) say they use DSL. Twelve percent of respondents say they connect to the Internet by dial-up.

 

32.  Do you currently recycle?

 

            Yes                  65%

            No                   34

            Not sure            1

Two-thirds of respondents (65%) say they currently recycle, while one third (34%) says they do not.

 

33.  Should Ocean Pines offer curbside recycling?

 

            Yes                  62%

            No                   21

            Not sure          18

 

            A majority (62%) of Ocean Pines property owners say curbside recycling should be offered, but 21% say it should not. Eighteen percent of respondents say they are not sure if Ocean Pines should offer recycling or not.

34. If yes to above, our household would:  (choose all that apply)

           

            Participate                                           92%

            Pay an additional fee for recycling     15

            Other                                                     4

            Not sure                                                5

 

Other: No new fees (127); No/will not participate (42); depends on fees (16); if nominal fee (16); uses dump (14);

Six each: Current system fine; once a week collection; not a full time resident

Three each: Not sure; separate days for collection

Two of each: do not have trash service;

One of each: Already pay for garbage disposal; association dues should cover county taxes should cover as in Balto county; drop off is free; find a recycling vendor; Go to fire house bins; Have a certain collection point for OP and OP sells recyclable; have large recycle bin for those seldom here; I prefer a separate location for drop off; more locations; no problem supporting fire dept.

None of above; not easy for me physically; once a year have bulk item pick up; only here weekends take to the firehouse; only if all households have to pay, regardless of whether they participate; OP should pay and recoup cost from selling recycled material; OPA supply receptacles; people need to secure items in bins; prefer as is at South Gate and dump; provide large bins like the dump for glass and plastic; separate types; trash and recycle should be mandatory would cost less; use facility at South Gate; use recycling bins.

 

            An overwhelming majority (92%) say they would participate in recycling should it be made available, but only 15% say they would pay an additional fee for the service.

Click the link below to view the raw data collected by Zogby International as a part of their demographic survey of Ocean Pines.

Zogby06042008.pdf

Over 3000 association members returned the demographic survey mailed out some months ago.

 

 

 

 

 

Uploaded: 6/5/2008