Commission debates proposed Route 66 mural at Lewis Kingman Park, requests more renderings

Summary

Commissioners expressed divided views about a proposed Route 66 Centennial mural on a train silhouette at Lewis Kingman Park, with concerns that loud colors would obscure the existing historic train form; staff and commissioners asked for additional renderings and input from tourism and other commissions before voting.

City tourism staff presented a proposal to commission an artist to paint a Route 66 Centennial mural on an existing 39-foot metal train silhouette at Lewis Kingman Park. Commissioners raised preservation concerns, saying bright or multicultural wraps could obscure the train and detract from local heritage.

One commissioner argued the train “represents the history of the area” and recommended either repainting the existing silhouette or placing new artwork elsewhere. Others noted the economic importance of Route 66 tourism and a desire to include cultural elements that reflect visiting tourists. Several commissioners requested that tourism manager Josh Noble return with additional renderings, including options using muted colors or culturally fused elements that preserve the train’s identity.

No motion was made; commissioners asked staff to gather more information, consider local-artist or school involvement, and, if needed, schedule a special meeting prior to council consideration to allow the tourism manager to present further illustrations.