Joint Meeting Council/BFPD
09/15/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Presentation
Doc ID: 6575
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
ROUTE 66 POCKET PARK REVITALIZATION UPDATE AND NAMING DIRECTION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Barstow conducted a community naming survey for the revitalized Route 66 Pocket Park, inviting residents to submit names that reflect Barstow’s history, character, and Route 66 spirit.
The survey was launched on July 31, 2026, and closed on August 16, 2026, receiving a total of 428 responses. Due to the volume and variety of submissions, staff consolidated variations of similar names and grouped suggestions honoring specific individuals into a broader Memorial/Honorary category.
The responses reflected strong community interest in names connected to Barstow’s local history, Main Street, Route 66, veterans, community identity, and the recognition of individuals who have contributed to the community.
DISCUSSION:
As part of the revitalization of the Route 66 Pocket Park located on the corner of First Ave. and Main St., the City invited residents and community members to participate in a naming survey that was developed to engage the community in identifying a name that would appropriately represent the improved public space and submit ideas for a name that reflects Barstow’s history, character, and Route 66 spirit.
The survey generated significant community participation and a wide range of thoughtful suggestions.
Collectively, the responses reflected several recurring themes, including Barstow’s connection to historic Route 66 and Main Street, local heritage, veterans and public service, community identity, and the recognition of individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Barstow.
A substantial number of submissions proposed commemorative or honorary names recognizing various individuals with ties to the community. Because these suggestions represented many different individuals rather than support for a single proposed name, staff reviewed them collectively as an indication of the community’s interest in honoring Barstow’s people and legacy.
Among the non-honorary naming suggestions, the names receiving the greatest number of responses included:
• Main Street Heritage Park
• Route 66 Heroes Park
• Barstow Veterans Park
• Mother Road Veterans Park
• Waterman-related names (e.g., Waterman Junction, Waterman Park) • Route 66 Centennial Park
Joint Meeting Council/BFPD
09/15/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Presentation
Doc ID: 6575
AGENDA ITEM
• Crossroads Park
Additional submissions incorporated themes related to Barstow’s role as a crossroads, historic Route 66, Main Street, community heritage, and local identity. Staff also observed multiple variations of suggested names incorporating the terms “Main Street” and “Route 66,” further demonstrating the importance of these themes to survey participants.
Overall, the survey demonstrated that residents value the opportunity for the park’s name to tell a meaningful story about Barstow. The results provide the City Council with a broad representation of community sentiment to consider when selecting a name that is appropriate for the location and consistent with the original intent of the naming effort, to reflect Barstow’s history, character, and Route 66 spirit.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with receiving the survey results and providing direction to staff. Costs associated with future park signage or identification may be incorporated into the revitalization project or brought forward separately, as applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive the update and results of the Route 66 Pocket Park Naming Survey and provide direction to staff regarding selection of a park name that reflects Barstow’s history, character, and Route 66 spirit.