(May 29, 2015) Mai Dorey was on a mission. She wanted to make the area outside of her oceanfront condo on 81st Street more appealing and a place to enjoy coffee in the morning with her dogs or an evening drink with her friends.
She was tired of looking at weeds and unappealing scenery at the entrance to the beach, then a friend told her the Town of Ocean City will donate old Boardwalk wooden benches by request.
She accomplished her mission and spruced up the area, adding flowers, decorative roped logs, stones, a bird feeder and bird bath to the area in front of her home.
“She got the idea, we decided to do it and I did all the labor,” Peter Dorey said.
It took two full weeks of work over a four-month period starting mid-March with the bulk being completed during spring.
The once barren area was transformed into a “mini park” with vibrant flowers among mulch and green patches of grass, decorations and a bench donated by the Town of Ocean City.
The bench is dedicated to Ron Bassett, who passed away three years ago, was a well-liked character in Ocean City and the original real estate agent of the Doreys building, the couple said.
The Doreys have owned a unit on 81st Street for about 15 years and completed this project with their own money.
“It all came to my imagination and I put it together as I went along,” Mai said. “I continue to add more all the time.”
Nancy Windsor, president of 81 Beach Hill Condominium Association, hopes the Doreys will inspire other owners to beautify their beach entrances.
“Peter and Mai’s work not only beautifies the beach area by our building, but greatly enhances the entrance to the beach for everyone using that path. Hopefully, it will be an incentive for others to do the same and thus beautify and improve Ocean City in general,” she added.
The Doreys have received inquiries from other people about improving their streets and visitors have been coming by taking pictures and sitting on the bench after enjoying a day at the beach.
The Town of Ocean City offered to donate plants to the Dorey’s effort after submitting a plan.
To inquire about benches, call 410-289-8221.
