The Parks Area Connection (PAC), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, working in the small town of Parks, Arizona to promote community activities and assist in emergency situations is proud of their Route 66 history. They were looking to increase community and visitor awareness of the historic nature of their town.
Last year, PAC borrowed a stencil from the Winslow Chamber of Commerce to paint 3 Route 66 shields around town. Babs Felix, Chairperson of PAC, said, “ It became an emblem of town pride and an instant tourist attraction. We noted people stopping at the pavement markings to take photos, then picnic nearby.”
The enthusiasm surrounding their new community addition prompted them to purchase their own stencil to keep pavement markings fresh in the coming years. PAC approached the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona to help pay for the custom stencil and supplies.
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona was enthusiastic about supporting the project. Nikki Seegers, Director of Operations for the Association said, “our community grants were created for exactly this purpose, we saw a need for Route 66 enhancements just like this.”
The roads were freshly painted with their new shields the last weekend in April. Babs Felix, chairperson for PAC said, “We had a blast painting for the community.”