Now we know better where that proposed $6 million for the Blue Whale would go.
The City Council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, last week unveiled a proposed master plan for the iconic Blue Whale site along Route 66 as envisioned by Hampton Creative of Tulsa.
Among the additions would be a mini-golf course, a new visitors center, an RV park, a giant Route 66 shield, a retro-looking neon sign, an ice cream bar and coffee shop, catch-and-release fishing and walking trails.
The city announced in October it wanted $6 million in upgrades to the site. The more recent meeting added flesh to those details.
Here is Hampton Creative’s overview video of the project, posted on Facebook:
According to News on 6 in Tulsa:
“We want to take the Blue Whale of Catoosa from a roadside attraction to more of a family activity, a destination,” said Kyle Gibson, who represents Ward 5 on the Catoosa City Council. […]
“We’ve taken what arguably may have been about a 15-minute experience and turned it into potentially a multi-day experience,” said Nate Olsen with Hampton Creative. “If you’re renting out in the Airbnb, we’re spending more than one day here.”
City leaders hope to get moving on this project quickly because Route 66 will turn 100 years old in 2026 and there will be celebrations all along the mother road.
The city plans to submit its proposal to the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, which might supply at least some of the funding.
More of Hampton Creative’s ideas can be found on its website here.
Hugh Davis hand-made the Blue Whale out of concrete and shaped rebar in 1972 as an anniversary gift to his wife. The Blue Whale and its spring-fed pond became a popular swimming hole for locals and travelers along Route 66 alike.
It closed in 1988 and fell into disrepair until it was restored in the early 2000s. Davis’ son, Blaine, was the caretaker at the property for years.
The city purchased the Blue Whale site and its land in 2020 from the Davis family for $1.5 million.
(Screen-capture image from Hampton Creative video of a reimagined Blue Whale site in Catoosa, Oklahoma)
Sorry Catoosa, but I’m not a fan of that. It’ll lose all the charm it has now. It seems like a big waste of money. I may be wrong but I would never stop there again if this happens and I’ve been there numerous times.
Taking such a BIG step forward into time isn’t always the most pleasant experience.
I’m gonna miss the original quaint and simple vintage look Blue Whale grounds and picnic park area.
This feels like a monumental mistake and certifiable waste of $6 million that could be spent much better elsewhere. The whale was a very simple, personal expression of love of a man for his wife on their anniversary. It held remnants of his dedication and creativity and love has permeated the site. It was almost like reading someone else’s love letters. That charm will be forever lost if this goes through. It’s almost like putting a restaurant and theme park at a sacred place. I hope they reconsider. This whole thing is just too sparkly for me.
i’d leave most of the whale area alone, (pave a path around the pond) and do the other stuff where the A.R.K. area was. it’s nice and quaint right now, we need to keep that.
I have watched the videos and reviewed the website and in general, I like the plan. However, the platform shown out in the pond to the side of the whale seems unnecessary and will actually block the whale in pictures people take.
I agree with Keith above. I have seen the whale it’s vintage and peaceful. It was nice to see it, the way Hugh wanted the area to be.
To make it look like a Hollywood stage with neon etc. Would spoil why so many people over decades have come to see something different. Example I had been to Mt Rushmore and saw the faces as a kid and teen years. Impressive and massive. Back then you parked in a flat parking, lot walked to see it. NOW you drive into a massive 3 story concrete parking structure the same color as the granite faces you just loose the feeling of how impressive the faces are.
Spend the 6 million dollars in upkeep of what is there and other old and unique items in town. How about getting artists to paint murals. As with real whales let’s leave this one simple peaceful and happy.
Paul Salem Oregon