Diane Snider, President, Don Manno, Pro-Tem, Michael Ballistrea, Matt Medyk, King Miner, Susan Sabetta, Kathy Telban
of Splash
Fun
Get an in-depth look at Mayfield Heights’ state-of-the-art Aquatic and Community Center. // By
Lisa Galek
MThe zero-entry leisure pool provides younger visitors with a safe and engaging experience with interactive spray toys, fountains and a family slide. A circular water vortex and a mini lazy river create endless fun as kids swirl through the gentle currents.
ayfield Heights residents are diving into fun at the city’s $34 million Aquatic and Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility that’s quickly becoming a beloved gathering place. Officially opening two summers ago, the aquatic center offers thrilling water attractions, resort-style amenities and a welcoming space for visitors of all ages.
The complex is part of a larger recreational investment, including a new community center and an inclusive playground. The city prioritized the pool’s construction, opening it for six weeks between late July and September 2023. The new facility replaces the original Dragga Pool, built in 1958, which had served generations of residents before reaching the end of its lifespan.
“Residents have told us they feel like they’re on vacation, and that’s a great comment to get,” says Sean Ward, director of parks and recreation for Mayfield Heights.
At the heart of the aquatic center is its 34-foot-tall slide tower, featuring three exciting slides. Thrill-seekers can twist and turn down the enclosed green spiral slide, while the gray drop slide sends riders plunging into the pool’s deep end with a rush of speed. The most iconic attraction is the blue and white four-lane racing slide, a nod to the legendary giant slide that once stood along I-271.
“Anyone 55 and older would remember the huge slide in Mayfield,” says Ward. “This is our version.”
The pool features two diving boards: a traditional 1-meter dive and a 3-meter high dive. To enhance safety, a new stair system equipped with a railing and plexiglass allows hesitant divers to walk back down safely if they change their minds about taking the plunge.
Before breaking ground on the project, the city surveyed residents to ensure the facility met their needs. One of the top requests? Plenty of shaded areas. In response, the final design provides lots of shady spots over the water, pool deck and playground.
“We have some beautiful pools in our surrounding communities,” Ward says. “If we were going to do a new pool, we wanted to do it right, and we wanted to differentiate ourselves as well.”
The aquatic center is just one piece of a larger vision for the city’s recreational offerings. The new community center opened in October 2023 and has quickly become a hub of activity. It hosts senior luncheons, sports programs, special events and private rentals. The facility also features a gymnasium, a dedicated 55-plus weight room and a history wall honoring influential figures in Mayfield Heights’ parks and recreation programs.
“When we tore the baseball fields out, we wanted to make sure we paid homage to the people who contributed to parks and recreation,” says Mayor Anthony DiCicco. “So, the history wall has pictures and names of those people on it.”
With its innovative features and commitment to community well-being, the Aquatic and Community Center offers residents more than just a place to stay cool in the summer. “We’re looking forward to being able to impact more people’s lives,” says Ward. “That’s our goal — to get Mayfield Heights healthier.”
BY THE NUMBERS
420,000 GALLONS OF WATER IN THE POOLS
34 FEET HEIGHT OF THE SLIDE TOWER
4 FEET DEPTH OF THE LEISURE POOL
24,000
2 DIVING BOARDS GUESTS VISIT EACH SUMMER
Way Go to
IN THE COMING YEARS, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WILL HAVE AN EASIER TIME navigating the city, thanks to a new wayfinding signage project. Guide Studio, a consulting firm specializing in community branding, recently completed conceptual designs for the city’s updated signage system. While installation won’t begin until late 2025 or early 2026, this project aims to enhance navigation and strengthen city branding.
“The idea is you’re installing signs at entry points and gateways into the community,” says Jeremy Rowan, economic development director for the city. “Then, once you’re in the community, you’re putting signage at key access points.”
The wayfinding system is designed to help people locate key destinations, such as city buildings and amenities, hospitals, shopping centers or school buildings. The signage also will differentiate Mayfield Heights from neighboring communities, making it obvious when visitors enter city limits. The signs feature the city’s signature blue and green color scheme.
“We want people to know we’re proud of Mayfield Heights,” says Mayor Anthony DiCicco. “Branding also goes a long way in attracting businesses and residents to the city.”
The project was informed by the work of a steering committee that included the mayor, city council representatives, administration officials and members of the business community. A phased installation will likely start with gateway signage at major entry points, followed by additional directional signage over the next few years.
Beyond improving navigation, the project is a celebration of Mayfield Heights. “It helps a community tell its story in an authentic way,” says Rowan. “It celebrates what’s unique about our location, culture and history. It reflects where we come from, but also future ambitions.” — Lisa Galek
Dream
Supporting Students
Levy funds will focus on student safety, mental health support, career exploration and early literacy.
MAYFIELD CITY SCHOOLS
SUPERINTENDENT
Michael J. Barnes knows exactly how to use the 5-mill continuous operating levy passed in 2024: to address the needs of students.
“This was the first time in eight years that the district sought additional financial support from the community, and we are extremely grateful,” Barnes says.
Four areas the district will improve:
• Safety Enhancements: Improving school security by installing additional cameras and upgrading the security of windows and entrances.
• Increased Student Services: Funding additional mental health support, counseling and other interventions to ensure that students are ready and able to learn effectively.
• Career-Readiness Programs: Expanding career-readiness programs for high school students to prepare them for careers in health care, construction, trades, engineering and other high-demand fields.
• Expansion of Early Education Programs: Enhancing early literacy and math initiatives. Mayfield recognizes that literacy and numeracy are fundamental to all learning and is dedicated to equipping every student with these essential skills.
The levy will help preserve the academic programs and staffing that contribute to the district’s 5-Star rating on the State Report Card and remarkable 99% graduation rate.
“We are dedicated to being good stewards of the investment the community has made by passing the levy,” Barnes says.
— Pat Faulhaber
COURTESY MICHAEL J. BARNES
Dr. Michael J. Barnes
A with the Mayor Chat
MAYOR ANTHONY DICICCO REFLECTS
ON HIS TIME IN OFFICE AND SHARES HIS HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.
// BY LISA GALEK
Anthony DiCicco’s time as mayor of Mayfield Heights has been defined by growth, community engagement and a commitment to maintaining the city’s character. After he stepped into the role in 2013 following the previous mayor’s resignation, DiCicco has spent his years in office working to enhance city services and improve infrastructure. As he nears the end of his final term, the mayor looks back on more than a decade of leadership, reflecting on the projects that have shaped the city, the challenges that come with the job and his hopes for the future.
“I’ve lived here almost my entire life, So I wanted to get involved, contribute to the community and give back.”
Q WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN MAYFIELD HEIGHTS?
A
I’ve lived here almost my entire life, so I wanted to get involved, contribute to the community and give back to the community. And it’s been awesome. I’m grateful for the council people I’ve worked with, Mayor Greg Costabile, who served before me, and the department heads.
Q WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF DURING YOUR TIME AS MAYOR?
A
I think the most significant accomplishment was getting the Aquatic and Community Center constructed. Watching the
residents take advantage of that facility has been really rewarding for everyone at City Hall. There’s something for everyone, from the 55-plus gym to the ADA-accessible playground. It has become a hub for the city and an attraction for families. It’s very busy when the weather warms up, and it’s great to see the kids enjoying themselves. Residents describe it as a “resort-like atmosphere,” and it’s really nice to hear those things.
Q WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AS MAYOR?
AExpenditures are always a challenge. You want to give your residents the best of everything, but you have to stay fiscally responsible. We have a phenomenal police force, fire department and service
department — all the departments here at City Hall are top-notch. But it’s challenging to do what’s fiscally best for the city while maintaining excellent city services. We’re fortunate that our business community and revenues have been good, though. But going through the budget every year and saying “no” to things is always tough.
Q WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY MOVING FORWARD?
A
One of the things is our parks. We do have the City Park and Oakville Park, and I would like to begin discussions on how we’re going to improve those for our residents, because our community loves to take advantage of our parks. We also want to make sure that our retail corridor on Mayfield Road and SOM Center Road is well maintained. We’re currently working on a project for traffic lights to improve timing and traffic flow. Those are just a few projects that, even if we don’t see them through to completion, we hope to get the ball rolling.
Q HOW DO YOU THINK THE CITY WILL CONTINUE TO CHANGE AND EVOLVE?
A
Moving into the future, the city will probably maintain its current character because of the excellent housing stock. This is a great starter community for families who have the opportunity to own a home here and be part of our school system. As current residents age, we have assisted living and elder care facilities here where people can stay, and they don’t need to leave Mayfield Heights. I think the character we have right now is a nice blend between younger families and an older population. We also have lots of residents who want to contribute to the city because we have so many great volunteer opportunities.
Q IS THERE AN ASPECT OF BEING MAYOR THAT’S MOST REWARDING?
A
Listening to residents and being able to help them through the difficulties that they bring to you. Sometimes, it’s not an
automatic fix. Even in those instances when someone is not 100% satisfied, you can help people understand the city and how our processes work. But people should know we’re always doing everything we can to help residents with whatever issue they have.
Q
HOW HAS YOUR FAMILY SUPPORTED YOU DURING YOUR TIME IN OFFICE?
AThey’ve been extremely supportive. My wife and my three kids do everything they can to help. During campaigns, they’ve helped me walk streets and hand out flyers. And they’ve always been supportive when I need to be at meetings or city events. They never say, “Oh, no, Dad, you’ve got to go to another meeting?” They always tell me, “We’re proud of you.”
Q WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT IN MAYFIELD HEIGHTS?
A
There are days — weeks even — when I don’t leave the city. We have such great restaurants and watering holes in town that my wife and I sometimes never even venture outside the city. I love to go to the Cork-N-Bottle or Mayfield Tavern. It’s great to talk to residents and get the temperature of people in the city. Another one of my favorite places is probably the bocce courts in the summer. We have leagues there and, in the summer, that’s a great place to be. The atmosphere there is phenomenal, and everybody has a great time.
“ my wife and kids have been extremely supportive.”
Q WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MAY NOT REALIZE ABOUT BEING MAYOR?
A
One of my favorite parts of the job is that I get to marry people. Everybody asks, “What’s the best part of the job?” and getting to marry a couple is one of the best parts. I average about two or three weddings a year, and it also enables me to officiate weddings for friends, so that is pretty special.
Q WHAT WOULD YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR TIME AS MAYOR?
A
I have been blessed since I’ve been here to just have amazing staff. The department heads and everybody who works in this city are devoted to doing what’s best. Everyone wants to make this city someplace where people will be proud to live. I’m very lucky to work with phenomenal people. It makes the job a little easier.
CONNECTING YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR COMMUNITIES
The Mayfield Area Chamber of Commerce takes an active role in supporting our members by providing a professional and ethical business environment within our communities. Our goal is to attract new members and retain active members by offering a vibrant environment for benefits and networking. The chamber is a membership organization that has been in existence for over 40 years.
the Paving Way
Engage with local leaders and stay informed at our State of the Schools and State
Join us for our
and grow your business!
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
Are you aware of all the benefits your business could receive with a Chamber membership? Visit www.mayfieldareachamber.org/benefits-services for a brief explanation of how the Chamber available benefits may best assist your business. Many of these benefits can affect your bottom line and save you hundreds of dollars. Investing in a Chamber membership can quickly generate an immediate ROI and pay for itself!
Capital improvement projects are focused on community needs.
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS IS MAKING MAJOR STRIDES in infrastructure and community development, ensuring residents enjoy a safe, modern, thriving city. With a focus on reinvesting in community needs, recent and upcoming capital improvement projects center on roads, sidewalks and sanitary lines.
The new Mayfield Heights Aquatic and Community Center is one of the most notable recent investments. Funded in part by a payroll tax increase, this stateof-the-art facility has quickly become a local favorite. The additional revenue also allows the city to allocate substantial funds for road repairs and other infrastructure projects.
Mayfield Heights is making strides in pedestrian safety, too. The city is committed to a yearly sidewalk replacement program, ensuring damaged sidewalks are repaired or replaced. With 92 miles of sidewalks throughout the city, this initiative improves walkability and accessibility. “Not only is it a great facelift for the whole city, but a healthy initiative,” says DiCicco. By investing in infrastructure improvements, Mayfield Heights is enhancing neighborhoods, increasing property values and improving residents’ quality of life. “At the end of the day, we all travel the roads,” Brunello says. “We all need to get to where we’re going safely, whether it’s home, work or just passing through.” — Lisa Galek
BY THE NUMBERS:
MACC BENEFITS AND SERVICES
Breakfast/Lunch Meetings
Networking Socials
After-Hours Business Showcases
Educational Seminars
Annual Golf Outing
Annual State-of-the-Cities Luncheon
Annual State of the Schools Luncheon
Business Planning Workshops
Member-to-Member Discounts
Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities
Annual Membership Roster for Business Opportunities and Connectivity
Bi-weekly Newsletter
Gregory S. Costabile, President Costabile@buckleyking.com
Matt Metyk, Treasurer Mmetyk@labellapc.com
Roads remain the city’s largest capital investment. In recent years, streets such as Commonwealth Road, Genesee Avenue, Worton Boulevard and Crestwood Road have been completely reconstructed, with old roadways replaced with durable cement surfaces.
“You really see a huge difference in the character of a neighborhood with a road repair,” says Mayor Anthony DiCicco. “The street is nice, and it filters to the homes and the whole neighborhood.”
101 STREETS IN THE CITY
826 FIRE HYDRANTS
92 MILES OF SIDEWALKS MAINTAINED
45 TREES PLANTED ON PUBLIC PROPERTY (2024)
870 CUBIC YARDS OF LEAVES COLLECTED (2024)
Bruce L. Bechhold, VP Bruceb@sweetbriarcpa.com
Mayfield Area Chamber Of Commerce 1284 Som Center Rd., Box #308, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 (440) 252-4138 www.mayfieldareachamber.org
John Marquart, Secretary Jmarquart@mayfieldvillage.com
A crucial upcoming project is the $6 million reconstruction of Marnell Avenue to address longstanding flooding concerns. The project includes enlarging and reconfiguring sanitary lines to prevent basement flooding in surrounding homes. “Hopefully, this will take some of that pressure off the individual homes and some adjacent areas as well,” says Chuck Brunello, assistant public works director for Mayfield Heights.
4,440 TONS OF ROCK SALT USED IN WINTER (2025)
networking luncheons and after-hours events to connect, collaborate,
of the Cities events!
Join our annual golf outing to support chamber programs, scholarships for Mayfield High School seniors, and civic activities in our member cities!
Get involved with MACC to help fund scholarships for deserving Mayfield High School seniors!
GET TO KNOW City Council
Meet some of the new members serving on city council. //
Kathy Telban is the founder and chief outcome strategist at iSOLVit, an organizational effectiveness consulting and services firm. She was elected to the Mayfield Heights city council for a four-year term starting in 2024.
“I’ve always been involved in communities where I’ve lived, I’ve lobbied at the state and federal levels, and I have a business background; being a councilperson is a good use of my skills,” Telban says.
A Mayfield Heights resident for 22 years, Telban plans to age in place. She’s determined to ensure the city supports residents throughout their entire lives.
Telban is also committed to making sure residents are informed and have input, and that there is full transparency.
By Pat Faulhaber
King Miner is one year into his fouryear term. He chairs the Finance Committee and co-chairs the Public Works and Service Committee, using his professional background as an accountant and nonprofit leader to bolster the city’s long-term planning and financial stability. A 12-year resident of Mayfield Heights, Miner didn’t initially plan to run for office — until someone encouraged him to consider it and his wife motivated him to channel his passion for helping people into public service.
His goals are to address infrastructure needs, ease economic strain and keep residents informed. “The diversity and the way the community supports each other is a blessing,” Miner says. “City Council is an opportunity to elevate my ability to help people.”
Matt Metyk was selected to fill an outgoing council member’s seat in October 2024. He will serve this year and campaign for the seat in November 2025.
Metyk has served on several committees, including the steering committee for the Aquatic and Community Center, Beautification Day, Unity Days and as vice chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Currently, he is the chair of the Building Committee. He has extensive experience in architecture, urban design, civil and landscape engineering and environmental design. He hopes to lend a new perspective on infrastructure issues.
“My goal is to get more involved with day-to-day activities while continuing my current commitments on the various committees and boards,” Metyk says.
KING MINER
MATT METYK
KATHY TELBAN
Faces of TELLER FAMILY
Get to know difference makers in the community. // By Jill Sell
hances are if you ever took your kids to Breakfast with Santa, enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine at Taste of Italy or bought a hot dog at the high school concession stand for sporting and/ or theater events in Mayfield Heights, you crossed paths with the Teller family, longtime residents of the city.
The family has a significant and loyal allegiance to the city’s parks and recreation department. As both volunteers and employees over the years, members of the family have helped support a myriad of well-run and successful programs and activities.
Kim Teller was a young child when her family moved into the community in 1969. As an adult, Teller’s own children benefited from the city’s many familyoriented activities. She became a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission in 1997, eager to give back to the organization that meant so much to her family. Kim served until 2012, resigning to follow her son’s baseball career in college.
But, she isn’t the only Teller to hold that position. Son Drew Teller became a member of the Commission in January.
(His first job was a parks and rec employee at age 15.) Drew’s fiancée, Rachel, is the newest member of the family, and a new Mayfield Heights resident.
Kim’s husband, Andy Teller, who also grew up in Mayfield Heights, volunteered alongside Kim for several decades and now is a member of the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Daughter Samantha (Teller) Bakkar remembers as a child helping her mom fill 3,000 Easter eggs for the city’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Samantha has also enlisted her husband to become part of the Teller family legacy of volunteerism in Mayfield Heights.
“My husband, Laith, and I are thinking about starting a family. I had a great childhood in Mayfield Heights,” says Samantha. “It’s a very family-oriented community, and we like living here.”
And don’t forget Emery Teller, 87, a 50year resident of the city who gets credit for moving to Mayfield Heights in the first place, according to his son, Andy.
“Every time we do an event, so many people come up to us and say hi. It’s like a reunion every time,” says Andy. “It’s nice to be recognized and appreciated.”
JOE BRUNELLO
Joe Brunello hung up his coaching cleats in 2024.
But his name is still remembered for his association with the Highland Heights Recreation League, as well as the local Mayfield Wildcat Youth Football Club (WYFC). He was also the head coach of the Highland Heights Cougars travel baseball team.
You might still see Brunello and his family enjoying Fornaro Field and City Park. Many great memories and proud moments were created there by the coach, his players and their parents.
But Brunello’s roots in Mayfield Heights go even deeper than sports. Born and raised in the community, Brunello says his hometown is, well, home.
“I have seen this city grow and evolve, and never has there been a real reason for us to move. We could have gone elsewhere, but
Diane Marzano Snider
HOWARD BERLAS
SSchnurmann House is an interdenominational apartment community for individuals age 62 and over. It consists of two fourstory apartment buildings with one- and two- bedroom apartments. Conveniently located near Eastgate shopping center and Hillcrest Hospital. Please visit our website at schnurmannhouse.com for floor plans and more information.
chnurmann House is my home away from home,” says Howard Berlas, executive director of the interdenominational apartment community for those 62 and older in Mayfield Heights.
Berlas has earned the right to identify the complex, with its 250 tenants and 198 units, as such. He is only the fourth executive director in the community’s history and is now the individual with the longest term.
Schnurmann House is named for Cornelia Schnurmann, a German-Jewish refugee who came to America in 1941 with very little money and only a small suitcase. Schnurmann dedicated her life to helping the elderly and left an estate that enabled the founding of Schnurmann House in 1968.
Berlas found his way to Schnurmann House after being awarded degrees in therapeutic recreation and gerontology, working in several nursing
homes in the region and earning a nursing home administrator license.
“I always wanted to work with the elderly,” says Berlas, whose daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren all live in Mayfield Heights. “I was fortunate to know my grandparents and my great-grandparents. They were certainly inspirational to me.”
Berlas praises Mayfield Heights for its many community and civic resources that make living in the city so positive and convenient for seniors. The city is also part of the Community Partnership on Aging, an organization that includes several other nearby cities. It provides programs and support to seniors so they can live full and independent lives.
Schnurmann House is within walking distance to shopping and restaurants, and close to the city’s aquatic center. Nearby medical facilities give residents peace of mind.
“We are very grateful to the city’s paramedics, police and fire departments and honor them each year with a lunch,” adds Berlas. “Everyone here — including tenants — joke that we want them to get to know us while we are still upright.”
