The city of Barstow is sprucing up its tiny Route 66 Pocket Park at 1st Avenue and Main Street in time for the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebration on Nov. 11.
The improvements to the pocket park are part of a series of efforts by the Barstow City Council to “improve the aesthetics of Barstow’s Main Street,” according to an agenda item that was discussed at a joint special city council meeting on May 5.
Revitalization work is currently underway for the small space, including the addition of shade structures, monuments, seating and landscaping. The city estimates the upgrades will cost $250,000 and anticipates its full reopening this fall.
“A community space deserves a great name,” city officials stated on social media. They are asking residents to help name the new and improved pocket park something that reflects Barstow’s history, character and Route 66 spirit.
Surveying closes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16. Residents can submit name suggestions by scanning the QR code on the flier.
Upgrades for Barstow’s Route 66 Centennial celebration
Phase one of the Main Street upgrades also includes resurfacing between 1st Avenue and 7th Street, including the application of Route 66 and Historic Byways logos at strategic locations, which will cost an estimated $1,000,000.
The city also hopes to place 12 decorative planters with landscaping at key locations along Main Streetbetween Barstow Road and 1st Avenue during phase one of the upgrades, with an estimated cost of $35,000.
Funding for phase 1 projects is anticipated through a combination of a $1,000,000 Federal HUD Transportation Grant and available funds within the Community Benefit Fund. The Barstow General Fund will not be impacted, city officials said.
Phase 2 upgrades
Phase 2 projects will further enhance the Main Street corridor over the next three to five years. These projects will require additional design, engineering and procurement processes and are contingent upon future council direction and funding availability.
The projects include the installation of gateway archway signage at Barstow Road and Main Street, and at 1st Avenue and Main Street, estimated to cost $500,000.
The city also hopes to construct an “Artistic Route 66” themed sidewalk along Main Street between BarstowRoad and 1st Avenue, estimated at $600,000.
The last phase 2 improvement includes enhancements to the existing median along Main Street between Barstow Road and 1st Avenue, including upgraded landscaping and installation of decorative fencing, estimated at$400,000.
Funding sources have not yet been secured for the phase 2 projects.
Residents drum up ideas
The creative juices are already flowing for Barstow residents only days after the city announced the renaming initiative via Facebook.
Andrew Peter Jaramillo suggests naming the park Aztec Memorial Park to commemorate the historic CIF win of the Barstow football team this year.
Anastasia Curran-Rohrberg likes the name Riffian Park. She says Riffians are unique to the desert and were the original mascot of Barstow High. “Harkens to our shared history and great town,” she commented.
Many residents say they would appreciate a name that celebrates the Barstow citizens who have served or are serving in the armed forces. Christina Stratton suggests Veterans Route 66 Park, and Robi Townsend likes the name Memorial Park.
McKenna Mobley is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@usatodayco.com or on Instagram @mckenna_dailypress.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Barstow needs help from residents to name Route 66-themed pocket park
Reporting by McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
