JOURNAL NEWS
An accidental checklist Card offers guidelines for motorists after accidents JOE TOPPE | STAFF
jtoppe@communityjournals.com
Conestee Dog Park construction to begin New park to open in August. Smaller dog park at Cleveland Park will close in September. JOE TOPPE | STAFF
jtoppe@communityjournals.com
18 THE JOURNAL | MAY 23, 2014
JERRY SALLEY / STAFF
On the books for several years, the city’s newest pet amenity at Lake Conestee Nature Park is finally set to begin construction – while the existing dog park at Cleveland Park is set to be closed. The City of Greenville’s Park and Recreation Department held a public meeting at Hughes Main Library Tuesday to inform the community of the new dog park. The park, located on the site of the old municipal stadium near the entrance to Lake Conestee Nature Park off Mauldin Road, will be over an acre in size, said Edward Kinney, Greenville’s senior landscape architect. The site will include two areas for both large and small dogs and a shade shelter, he said. The park will also be ADA-accessible. Kinney said the park would feature upgrades from the existing dog park at Cleveland Park including a water fountain, benches and additional parking. The small crowd attending the public meeting showed appreciation for the new park’s design but did ex-
press some concerns on the location and availability of the proposed water fountain and spigot. Through funds provided by a capital improvement project, the city has set aside approximately $90,000, with $20,000 of that total provided by the county, for the park’s construction, he said. The plan has been in operation for several years and has already gone through City Council and been presented to Greenville County, Kinney said. “We are ready to start building; we just wanted to inform the public before we got underway,” he said. Construction is expected to begin in June and finish in August. In addition to making the public aware of upcoming construction at Lake Conestee, city officials also presented information on the usage of the Canine Corner at Cleveland Park. Kinney said the existing dog park falls short on many of the city’s best practices and will be closed. The old park is smaller than an acre without adequate parking or shelter, and it does not have separate areas for large and small dogs, he said. “The new park will address these areas.”
A statue of a Great Dane greets visitors to the Canine Corner at Cleveland Park.
The sound of a car accident is unforgettable: the screeching tires, the “crunch” of folding metal, and the sudden gasp of passengers just before impact. The crucial moments that follow are often confusing, marked by a fumbling for identification and insurance cards, and a frantic search for injuries. Greenville trial attorney Brian Smith has launched a campaign aimed to focus victims of auto accidents in the few vital seconds following the experience with an 11-step guideline. Smith said people are flustered after an accident, do not always think logically and are often wrongfully placed at fault. It can be difficult to remain calm and answer questions after such an event, he said. People often do not take stock of possible injuries and seek out the appropriate medical help. Smith said a general lack of knowledge could adversely affect victims of auto accidents. Always seek medical treatment, document the scene and witnesses, and do not panic, he said. “Often, people are wrongfully put at fault because of how they acted after the accident.” The campaign includes free driver’s license-sized cards focusing on guidelines to follow after an accident such as remaining calm, assessing yourself and passengers for injuries, looking for witnesses, exchanging information, cooperating with police and seeking medical attention. A driver can store the card in his wallet or glove compartment like an insurance card and read it following the accident, Smith said. “It is important for people after an accident to take a few moments to recollect themselves,” he said. “Anyone can be in an accident, rich or poor, and our goal is to help accident victims take the right steps in the stress of the moment.” Drivers can receive a free accident advisor card by visiting btsmithlaw.com.