Mayor Jay Gillian: Merion Park Project, Skate Park Meeting Coming Up

Dear Friends: Last evening City Council awarded a $ 2.7 million contract for much needed road and drainage improvements in the Merion Park neighborhood.  I would like to thank many of the residents of this neighborhood who have provided input into the design of these improvements.  The City will maintain good communication with the residents as the project is underway.  There will no doubt be periods of inconvenience, but the end result will be worth it.  Construction will begin shortly. A City Council Committee, the Administration and interested residents continue to discuss the concepts for a new skatepark.  The recommended site may be a portion of the large parking lot in the 500 block of Asbury Avenue.  The intent would be for the design to minimize the number of parking spots lost, and we are also exploring viable options to add additional parking in the area.  City Council has decided to discuss this matter further at a workshop on Thursday, April 3^rd at 6:00 pm.  I would like to thank Councilman Mike DeVlieger for spearheading this effort.  This park is going to be another great attraction for Ocean City. I would like to congratulate the athletes on the Sting Rays swim team who competed in a Special Olympics competition last Sunday at our Aquatic and Fitness Center.  These athletes did an outstanding job and embodied the spirit of the Special Olympics Motto:  “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”  I would also like to thank the team members at the Aquatic and Fitness Center and all the volunteers who assisted with this wonderful event. The entire community has been saddened by the death of Mrs. Marizita Grimes.  Mrs. Grimes was a beloved teacher with the local school district who touched thousands of children’s lives in a positive manner.  She served her church and the entire community in various volunteer roles over many decades.  Michele’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Grime’s husband Dick and her entire family at this difficult time. Warm regards, Jay A. Gillian Mayor