BERLIN, Md. - Berlin non-profit We Heart Berlin, Inc. has raised enough money to fully upgrade the basketball courts in Henry Park with new backboards, rims, and pole pads along with other equipment.
According to the non-profit, these upgrades will take shape with the basketball court mural project in collaboration with artist Shelton Hawkins.
Donors such as Burn Wood Fired Pizza, Yard Designs, Inc., the Berlin Police Department, and the non-profit have raised the $17k necessary to fully fund both the art project and install state-of-the-art equipment.
Organizer Tony Weeg says they did all the necessary preparations to collaborate with TrueBounce, Inc. to install backboards.
"We have done the homework, the measuring, the legwork, and now, we just need the town to approve it. TrueBounce, Inc. is the manufacturer, and they have quoted us for clear acrylic backboards that feature energy dispersion holes, far better breakaway rims than the existing two iron, very stiff non-breakaway rims, and new pads to replace our failing ones that exist today," Weeg said.
Weeg also says these backboards are necessary for proper competitions.
"What we currently have [for backboards and rims] are nearly unplayable due to the bounce and shock that happens anytime a ball hits the rim. The reverberations continue for a long time, especially if someone dunks. This new equipment will eliminate a lot of this," Weeg said.
Local Berlin businesses and other contributors helped fund the equipment update with large donation packages. Weeg says We Heart Berlin, Inc. is going to make sure these donors are celebrated.
"We cannot thank the Worcester County Arts Council, Artistree, and the donors from Berlin and the local area for supporting these projects. These upgrades to Henry Park will be enjoyed for a long time, and the kids that help us make it happen will take ownership. A new level of care and energy will be present at Henry Park," Weeg said.
