Berlin Heights' court improvements completed

BERLIN HEIGHTS — No matter shooting hoops or volleying back and forth, Berlin Heights officials wanted to improve a pair of prominent, popular playing grounds for people. Not too long ago, a new look arrived at Berlin Heights Community Park's basketball and tennis courts. It's located behind Edison Middle School. A $20,000 cost, with $10,000 coming from an Erie MetroParks grant and another $10,000 from donations specifically for these related park projects, fully covered costs for new asphalt surfaces with: • Blue paint outlining the in-bounds playing areas • Orange paint highlighting the out-of-bounds playing areas This color scheme pays homage to Edison Schools' primary team colors. Additionally, lines on the tennis court also allow people to play pickleball there. Anyone, no matter from inside or outside the village, can take advantage of these spaces. And it only adds to the latest enhancements around this area, which include a renovated youth baseball field and a new playground. "Berlin Heights park board members hope that the court can be enjoyed for many years to come," said village councilwoman Taylor Opfer, who also sits on the park board. Opfer noted the court facelifts pay respect to the late Donna Leimeister, a 38-year-long employee of Edison Elementary and longtime Berlin Heights-area resident. She's remembered as someone who, despite facing much adversity, always remained positive and optimistic in life, constantly placing others — especially children — ahead of herself. "Donna was a dedicated member of Berlin Heights. She was a member of the park board," Opfer said. "Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren who utilize the courts as well as thanks to a generous donation in her memory."