The City of Chandler, Oklahoma, announced last week it would build a new park next to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, including a “66 Man” statue developed by resident and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan.
The city stated in a Facebook post it had been awarded $650,000 from the state’s Route 66 grant program for the project.
An artist’s rendering shows an event space, a Route 66-themed fence next to the highway, a vehicle photo station opportunity, decorative string lights, shade structures, a big lawn and the aforementioned 66 Man.
Here’s the announcement:
The city stated the park would be finished in 2026, which is the highway’s centennial.
McClanahan stated in a Facebook message he wasn’t sure how big the statue would be, other than Chandler’s city manager “really likes my 66 Man art.”
McClanahan revealed his 66 Man superhero character about a year ago, saying he was inspired by Jack Kirby-drawn comic books. Kirby drew a ton of issues for Marvel during the 1960s, including the Fantastic Four series.
(Artist’s rendering of the park next to the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, Oklahoma, via the City of Chandler)
66 Man looks to be kin to Rootie.