Iconic Blue Whale In Catoosa Gets A Fresh Coat Of Paint

A Route 66 icon is looking brighter than ever after getting a fresh coat of paint.

The Blue Whale is even more blue after state and local leaders ceremoniously brushed on the final touches of a new paint job Friday.      

"Between rain and everything else, we've been trying to get the Blue Whale painted. It's been about 15 years since it’s been painted, so we're completing that project this week," said Catoosa City Manager John Blish.

He said he's lost count of how many gallons of that eye-catching baby blue paint they've used.

"I couldn't even begin to tell you, I think we started out more than 15," said Blish.

After the city bought the Route 66 destination last summer, Blish has spent a lot of time fixing up the famous roadside attraction.

"There are a lot of people that come here specifically for the Blue Whale. Since we've been out here this week, we've run into a lot of people that are traveling," he said. 

The city said it's not just the Blue Whale that's getting a makeover, they're adding improvements to the whole area. There are plans for a walking trail around the pond and a deck for fishing.  

"We have lots of plans to make this a really family-oriented place to come to bring your family, whether you're traveling, whether you live here, we want this to be something special," said Catoosa Mayor Brenda Conley.

Conley has fond memories of growing up around the Blue Whale, and she wants that for future generations.

"It draws people from all over the world, and we're very proud of that, and we really want it to be something that the whole world would love to come and see," Conley said.

Conley told News On 6 because of debris in the pond a liability issues, swimming around the Blue Whale is off the table.