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Ocean City adopts $7.5 million bond ordinance to rebuild 34th Street playground
Summary
Ocean City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-13 on Oct. 23, 2025, to appropriate $7.5 million for renovations at the 34th Street recreation complex; a $3.5 million county grant will cover most of the city’s share. Councilmembers highlighted inclusive, sensory equipment and an $800,000 donor offer for a special-needs court.
Ocean City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 23 to adopt Ordinance 25-13, a $7.5 million bond ordinance to fund renovations at the 34th Street recreation complex, including a new playground and restroom facilities. The city plans to bond the city’s portion after a $3.5 million county grant reduces the net local obligation.
The mayor and staff said the package will include state-of-the-art playground equipment and a performance stage. David, a council speaker, credited designer Dan Kelner and his team for reimagining the site and said community suggestions produced “almost brilliant” design changes that improved accessibility and programming. “I think it’s going to be a fantastic playground,” David said.
Council members emphasized inclusive features. Tony said a donor fund set aside for several years will pay for a small court designed for children with disabilities. “We want to do that in donating to the city when we redo this… a little court for kids that have special needs to be able to play,” Tony said.
Because the ordinance was on its second reading, the council held public comment specifically on the ordinance and heard none at the microphone. After brief remarks by council members praising the project, the council moved and approved the ordinance on a recorded roll call vote.
The adoption puts procurement and manufacturing timelines into focus. Staff said equipment lead times require months for fabrication and that the city expects some construction to be scheduled after summer so installations are complete and safe. No additional financing actions beyond the bond authorization were taken that night.
The council approved several routine items on the consent agenda, including payments and minor resolutions, in the same meeting. The administration said it will provide project updates to the council as procurement and construction milestones are set.
The ordinance’s next steps include finalizing the bond issuance schedule and beginning procurement for equipment and contractor selection; staff said they will return to council with contract awards and timelines.
