Tuesday, September 23, 2025 6:00 am
EDMOND, Okla. (September 23, 2025) – The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park marked a major milestone Monday with the arrival and installation of key components of its architectural landmark, the Route 66 Eagle’s Nest, bringing the park closer to its 2026 opening. Perched atop one of Edmond's highest points, the Eagle’s Nest will be a 64-foot recreational sculpture made with rusting steel pipe. Its platform will offer a 360-degree view of the park and surrounding areas.
“Today marks an exciting milestone as we see this focal point of the park take shape with the support of our community leaders, partners, friends and supporters,” said Melissa Pepper, executive director of The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park. “With the Route 66 Eagle’s Nest in place, the vision of The Uncommon Ground is coming to life—thanks to the support of our community, donors, grantors, the City of Edmond, and the State of Oklahoma. This structure is the park’s pièce de résistance and offers a one-of-a-kind experience, inviting everyone to engage with the art.”
Leaders from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, the City of Edmond, the park and business leaders from central Oklahoma gathered to celebrate the arrival of the 40-foot-tall, five-foot-diameter center column that will anchor the structure. The column was transported from Claremore, where it was fabricated by Equus Metals, and Lingo Construction placed and installed the beam. Additional pieces will arrive in the coming weeks, with the full creation expected to be complete by late October.
“With the first part of the Eagle's Nest in place, we've finally rounded the corner and are looking at the home stretch," said Mayor Mark Nash of the City of Edmond. “Once this piece is complete, the other major components will fall into place, including paving the roads, completing parking lots, and developing the buildings. This is what our community has been waiting for as we anticipate the Route 66 celebrations next year.”
Conceived and designed by award-winning architect Rand Elliott, known for the 66-foot pop bottle at Pops 66 in Arcadia. The Eagle’s Nest is fabricated from steel pipe and weather-resistant corten plate, drawing inspiration from both Oklahoma’s industrial history and the “cast iron forest” of the surrounding Cross Timbers landscape.
“The Eagle’s Nest is inspired by natural habitats that still thrive around Arcadia Lake,” said Rand Elliott, architect of the Eagle’s Nest. “By using rusted steel pipe and corten plate, we’re honoring Oklahoma’s industrial heritage while creating something entirely new. Our hope is that visitors will feel both the strength of the structure and the wonder of standing above the landscape, connecting with Oklahoma’s history and natural beauty from an eagle’s eye view.”
The tower will feature a secure spiral staircase with a platform where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Edmond, Route 66 and Arcadia Lake. The base of the basket sits at 37 feet, while a second, lower platform that is around 15 feet off the ground, will be accessible for visitors of all ages. Serving as both an observation point and an educational resource, the Eagle’s Nest will incorporate signage that details the rich history of Route 66 and its surroundings.
Beautifully lit at night, the distinctive tower will become an unforgettable landmark, visible for miles along historic Route 66. The park is expected to be a popular destination, attracting guests from a 300-mile radius and boosting Oklahoma’s third-largest industry, tourism.
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park continues to fundraise, having already secured 75% of the $50 million needed to build the park. The total funding goal of $72 million includes an endowment and first-year operating expenses.
Support has come from the City of Edmond, the State of Oklahoma through the Department of Commerce and Department of Transportation, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, many of our local foundations including Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Community Foundation and Kerr Foundation, leading corporate businesses like Expand Energy, Cox Communications and BancFirst, local businesses and many organizations and individuals throughout the state.
The park will open with more than 60 sculptures made possible by a partnership with the Edmond Visual Arts Commission (EVAC) and over two dozen individual donors. EVAC provides funding support for approved pieces, which become the City of Edmond's property once purchased. The Park Conservancy Trust, a public trust in Edmond, will own the land, and The Uncommon Ground will maintain, manage and operate the park.
This new 62-acre park is set to open in late 2026, offering an immersive experience unlike any other in the region. To learn more and get involved, visit uncommonground.org.
About The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, Oklahoma’s first public sculpture park, is a former Arabian horse farm in Edmond. The 62-acre destination features more than 60 sculptures by celebrated artists and is designed to inspire creativity, promote wellness and encourage connection.
Located along historic Route 66, the park aims to connect people of all ages with the virtues of art, nature and play, serving both the local community and attracting visitors nationwide. Learn more about The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park at uncommonground.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
