Arts commission declines to recommend 35-foot 'KICK 66' boot for Classen Boulevard after neighborhood backlash

The Oklahoma City Arts Commission on Aug. 22 voted not to recommend a $1 million MAPS4-funded Route 66 sculpture, known as KICK 66, for the proposed site at NW 20th and Classen Boulevard, following more than two hours of public comment and debate.

Randy Marks, program planner for Arts and Cultural Affairs, told the commission the project was selected from roughly 50–55 RFQ responses and chosen by a nine-member selection committee. Marks said the commission had asked artists to accept an accelerated schedule because the city expects a surge of Route 66 visitors during the 2026 centennial and that the chosen design by Oklahoma City artist Cameron Eagle was the selection committee’s unanimous top pick. "He out designed and out competed the other two artists," Marks said.

The proposed installation featured a 35-foot aluminum boot with integrated lighting, powder-coated finishes, artificial turf and a miniature concrete Route 66 winding through the triangular site. The design includes sculpted prickly pear cactus, a mound containing a time capsule intended to be opened in 2126, and musical-lyric stitching…