Boy Scout Creates and Installs Route 66 Shield

Skye Brunken-Atkins with Boy Scout Troop 77 completed his Eagle Scout project by installing a Route 66
Shield on the Northwest corner of the pavilion at Festival Market Place, 30 West First Street on Oct. 17,
2020. The wooden shield is constructed to last for years. It is a rendition of the historic Route 66 sign and
stands six feet tall and 4 feet wide. Route 66 runs through Edmond and is gaining wide-spread attention for
road trips. Skye’s project gives tourists a reason to stop and enjoy downtown Edmond and snap a
memorable photo with the classic shield.

The Eagle Scout rank represents a milestone of accomplishment through Scouts BSA and is evaluated
primarily on impact—the extent of benefit to the community, and on the leadership provided by the
candidate. There must also be evidence of planning and development. Skye designed, built and installed
the shield to commemorate Edmond’s presence on Route 66 and to encourage visitors to stop and take
selfies. Brunken-Atkins stated, “I worked with the Edmond Parks and Recreation Department, Visit Edmond
and The Edmond Historical Society & Museum to gain approval and direction for my Eagle Scout project.”

“By providing valuable Scouts BSA badges on the topics of citizenship, history and entrepreneurship,
young men are gaining valuable skills that contribute to Edmond’s culture and success,” said Amy
Stephens, Executive Director at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. “It always makes me proud
when Eagle Scouts, like Skye take their projects so seriously, because they realize that they truly are
making a valuable contribution to the community.”

This new Route 66 Shield is the first safe location to take a selfie with the iconic Route 66 logo during a
road trip to Edmond. This location was also selected to coincide with the inaugural Cycle 66 bike ride on
November 7, 2021 and celebrating the 100 th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Increased visitor traffic
created by Edmond Railyard restaurants and the new “Key to My Heart” art piece recently installed by
Zonly Looman, an Edmond-based artist, will also help bring attention to this Route 66 photo opportunity.
Local businesses including ACE Hardware and Home Depot donated mulch and flowers to accompany the
Route 66 Shield. Special thanks to Council Stainless, Downtown Sign and Design and Lowe’s Home
Improvement for donating sign materials.