Changes Coming To Downtown Catoosa And Rogers County

People came to the Blue Whale of Catoosa this afternoon to learn more about the plans.

Organizers say one of the main goals of this event was to have the public give comments and suggestions of what they want to see in the area.

Route 66 runs through Catoosa and Rogers County, and the road is an important driver for both economies.

The Blue Whale is a landmark along the route, which has grown to be a tourist attraction and symbol of this stretch of the mother road.

“It’s either your gateway on Route 66 or it is your last stop, and that’s huge for us,” said Eddie Faulkner, the Assistant City Manager for the City of Catoosa.

By expanding tourism in Catoosa, strategists hope to drive people into other Rogers County towns.

“We want to make sure we are celebrating this tourism icon, and make sure that the rest of the towns in Rogers County are part of that process,” said Brad Lonberger, a Principal with Place Strategies.

People talked to leaders about what they want to see as the area continues to develop.

“A lot of what we are working on right now is the Route 66 tourism and people are coming by and saying hey, you forgot about this landmark or this other landmark,” said Missy Richardson, the Director of the Rogers County Planning Commission.

With economic development comes the chance for each town in Rogers County and along Route 66 to further define their identities.

“We want all the towns in Rogers County to participate and be a part of that, and start to celebrate themselves, in their own unique way,” said Lonberger.