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541-682-6243. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Safety Plaza Dedication Adds Human Factor to Road Safety <br />The dedication of the Bailey Hill Road safety plaza this week <br />showed that tragic circumstances combined with personal <br />courage and perseverance can make the world a better <br />place. More than 50 community members gathered on <br />Tuesday afternoon to remember the young people who have <br />died in our community over the past three years as a result <br />of motor vehicle crashes. It was also an occasion to unveil a <br />display near the Churchill skate park that bears two safety <br />messages: motor vehicle crashes are the number-one <br />cause of death for Oregon youth; and “start seeing <br />everyone,” a reminder that eye-to-eye contact with drivers <br />saves lives. <br /> <br />Many people contributed to the design and construction of <br />the safety plaza. Tom Schneider and Marina Hajek had the <br />vision and the dedication to turn an idea into a reality. The <br />City of Eugene neighborhood matching grant program <br />provided some of the funding, the Churchill Area Neighbors <br />and the Bailey Hill Road Safety Committee helped organize <br />the volunteers who created the plaza, and many contributors <br />came forward to assist, including Rexius Forest Products, <br />Two-sided display board unveiled Tuesday at Bailey Hill <br />Home Depot, the Jane Higdon Foundation, Westleigh <br />safety plaza <br />Homeowners Association, Denture Master and Greg Lumsden Insurance Agency. <br /> <br />Schoolchildren created messages for the display boards, and fourth graders from nearby McCornack Elementary <br />School helped stamp the pumpkin leaf border around the concrete plaza. It also was a time for families who have <br />lost children to vehicle crashes to meet and share their emotions and stories. The children who were remembered <br />were Vaclav Hajek, Nima Gibba, Jaziah Vermilyea, David Minor, and Megan Kennedy. <br /> <br />Councilor Chris Pryor spoke at the dedication event. “This plaza is not just a memorial to Vaclav or any of the <br />other victims of traffic accidents,” Pryor said. “It is a statement about our commitment and our dedication to make <br />the future a better place. Looking forward instead of looking back; living in our neighborhoods, not just in our <br />homes.” <br /> <br />For more information, contact Eric Jones, Public Works Administration, at 541-682-5523. <br /> <br /> <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 <br />June 10, 2010 <br />