Route 66 Fest a great idea

Dear Editor,

When I heard Route 66 Fest was moving to Lewis Kingman Park, I got so excited! — Let me tell you why:

Lewis Kingman Park is named after the civil engineer who surveyed the Santa Fe Railroad route all the way from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Needles, California, in 1880. It’s common for newcomers to misname it “Lewis Park,” but it’s named after the same Lewis Kingman for whom our city is named.

Along with the park’s cultural relevance, Lewis Kingman is spacious and welcoming for all kinds of events, like the seasonal farmers market. LK Park also often hosts food truck festivals. Each one I’ve seen boasts a huge variety of delicious food. Local vendors always participate, which is great for the local economy.

Lewis Kingman Park has unique automobile-inspired graffiti art on display, which matches the Route 66 theme perfectly. There are even two fenced dog enclosures (also excellently maintained) at the far north of the park, behind the restrooms — one for large and one for small dogs to play.

Plus, the new Boxcar pedestrian bridge is going to be built at LK Park! The City of Kingman worked hard to find grant opportunities and was able to get the Arizona Community Foundation to foot half the $15,000 bill. That’s what you call a “win-win,” and we should celebrate!

Call or write Kingman City Hall today. Tell them Route 66 at Lewis Kingman Park is a great idea!

Brian Walter