The Route 66 Plaza park, behind the Standin’ on a Corner Park in Winslow, Ariz., is awaiting $488,000 from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s National Scenic Grant Fund to finish the project, reported the Arizona Journal.
When the funds are available, a performance stage, lighting, street furniture, including benches. and signage will complete that city park. […]
Right now, it is essentially an overflow area for the Standin’ On The Corner event and other events that take place there. Ferris continued, “I checked with ADOT last month and was told it was still in the review process at that time.”
The plaza came to be after a fire destroyed the J.C. Penney building in 2004 behind the Standin’ on a Corner statue. The city purchased the property, and left one wall of the building standing to serve as a backdrop for the statue.
The park is inspired by The Eagles’ hit song, “Take It Easy,” which contains these lyrics:
Well, I’m a standin’ on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
Such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord
In a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me
The statue, plus its mural behind it, has become a popular photo opportunity for Route 66 and other travelers.
(Image of Standin’ on a Corner Park by Leo Reynolds, via Flickr)
I love that song. Some day I want to do Route 66.