SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Missouri State University gifted a property totaling more than 2,600 square feet to the city of Springfield for use as a park commemorating local and national history.

City Council voted unanimously Dec. 2 to accept the right-of-way from the university for the construction of a Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza. The site sits in the southwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Park Central East.

City officials say the plaza will highlight more history in time for Route 66’s 100th anniversary next year.

A new sculpture will also be installed in downtown Springfield at St. Louis Street and Jefferson Avenue, where the historic Colonial Hotel stood until its demolition almost 30 years ago.

The plaza and sculpture represent Springfield’s efforts to celebrate its role as the

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