City of Catoosa Planning to Revitalize Iconic Blue Whale

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The City of Catoosa plans to expand and add amenities to the Blue Whale of Catoosa.

“The blue whale was definitely like one of the most visited attractions along Route 66,” said Rhys Martin, the President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. “I knew that they were looking at various improvements to the property out there.”

John Blish, the City Manager of Catoosa, says they plan to expand the historic landmark and add more amenities.

“We’ve got some hiking trails, we’re wanting to expand with the small Airstream park for people to be able to stay, miniature golf, waterfall feature, and a few other things,” said Blish.

Martin raised concerns about the idea of the new development.

“The blue whale’s kind of quiet. You go there and relax a little bit. I would hate for any new development to interfere with that,” said Martin.

Nate Olsen, the creative director of Hampton Creative, the agency that the City of Catoosa hired to develop plans for the landmark, says they plan to keep the nature and history of the site.

“The heart behind everything that we’re trying to do is enhance, not take away from, you know, what, what the Blue Whale is,” said Olsen.

Blish says they can utilize this landmark to help the City of Catoosa.

“We feel that we have the most iconic thing on Route 66. And we want people to come here, stay here, and spend time here,” said Blish.

Blish says that the upgrade to the Blue Whale can benefit hotels, motels, and different venues in Catoosa.

As for the update on the project itself, the City of Catoosa is waiting for the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grant applications to open.