The reopening of the Islander this past February put the era of Hurricane Irma reparations behind us. Now the Club is focusing its summer efforts on improving and maintaining the first-class condition of already existing structures and amenities. Of these projects includes enhancement of the Ocean Reef Airport, The Ocean Room, and the Town Hall Parking Lot.
The Airport
The Ocean Reef Airport is one of the Club’s most unique amenities and upholding its integrity and safety is of utmost importance. This summer’s project, which began in May, focuses on doing just that through a complete runway overhaul.
The much-needed enhancements include improved airfield visibility, raised and grooved asphalt allowing for use during wet conditions, improved drainage through the use of injection wells, installation of an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), improved runway lighting, and removing obstacles that are located close to the edge of the runway.
At press time, the old asphalt has been milled and regraded and additional limestone is being brought in to raise portions of the runway. Work has also begun on the drainage system enhancements. Mic O’Keeffe, Executive Director of Sports & Recreation, says the Airport project has “reached its cruising altitude and is scheduled for an on-time arrival.”
The Airport is currently closed to all aircraft with a reopen date scheduled for mid- to late October, though helicopters still have limited access at this time.
The Ocean Room
At April’s Annual Meeting, Chairman of the Board Bob Manzo announced a shift in plans for the future of The Ocean Room. The original plan included building a new Ocean Reef Club Clubhouse and restaurant where the Lobby, Ocean Room and Reef Lounge currently stand. The building instead will be improved to increase its longevity. Structural reparations to The Ocean Room will begin this August with the major interior remodel scheduled for next summer.
Town Hall Parking Lot
Also scheduled to begin in August is the expansion of the parking lot in front of Town Hall and 121 Marina. The construction plan is to remove one of the Marina Tennis Courts and combine the current Town Hall Parking Lot with the lot in front of 121 Marina.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Cultural Center
The Cultural Center theater is getting some much-needed renovation this summer, including new carpeting, chairs, drapes, updated sound and lighting, an upgraded hearing-aid sound loop, and renovated dressing rooms. The Cultural Center House and Grounds Committee is taking advantage of the closing by completing repairs of the exterior and is looking forward to reopening in November. While the theater is closed, complimentary movies are available on Wednesdays in the Key Largo Building. Click here to see what movies are in queue!
The Residence Club
Demolition of Golf Village is complete and construction is ready to commence on The Residence Club has officially begun. Once finalized, The Residence Club will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, engineered for independent, active living for those 55+.
If you missed details on these projects, you can watch the Annual Meeting at oceanreef.com in the Member Quick Links section. Continue to look out for more information in upcoming editions of the Ocean Reef Press.