In an opinion piece by the Joplin (Mo.) Globe, the newspaper reports that Ron Hart of Route 66 TV Online is urging the city to pay more attention to its Route 66 roots.
Hart would like to see more signs to mark the route and the use of the Route 66 logo downtown that would draw attention to Joplin’s place on the route. […]
Hart has suggested that Joplin could even be the site of a national Route 66 festival. One is held each year in different states along the Route 66 path.
It just makes sense that Joplin take advantage of its connections to Route 66. Miami, Okla., has recently announced plans to promote its portion of Route 66, and a Route 66 museum is being added in Carthage at the Jasper County Courthouse.
Hart also believes that if the city would make parking available near the downtown area for tour buses, it would see more groups adding Joplin to their list of places to stop and visit.
The Globe tacitly agrees. If nothing else, it’s good that Hart is bringing up these issues so that Joplin residents discuss them.
We at Route 66 News have observed over the years that while Joplin is a mostly thriving community, its acknowledgement of the Mother Road has been tepid. At a time when interest in Route 66 is up because of the “Cars” movie, it would be wise for it to change, or a significant opportunity will be lost.