Rickenbaugh Park - Children's Hospital Sculpture Garden

The area around the intersection of Colfax and Interstate 225 in Aurora is a bit of a medical hub. Actually, that's an understatement. It's a HUGE medical hub. Several hospitals and medical training facilities are located in the space of just a few blocks. One of the largest facilities in the area is Children's Hospital. Since it's no fun being in the hospital, and it's even less fun having a kid in the hospital, Children's has a very welcoming feel. Among the features is a sculpture garden in the front of the facility known as Rickenbaugh Park. It is worth a visit even when you don't have a loved one spending time at the hospital.

Let's take a look at some of the pieces you'll find.

Harlequin by Craig Ponzio
This piece is visible from Colfax as you drive by the hospital

La Dolce by James Vilona

Eclipse by Jesus Moroles

Star Catcher by John King

Bench by Jesus Moroles

Name and artist unknown

The Classics by George Lundeen

Tres Osos by Dan Ostermiller

Fat Happy by Barrett DeBusk

The adjacent hospital parking structure also features some unique artwork that appears to have been created by some of Aurora's youngest citizens.

Children's Hospital is located at 13123 E 16th Ave in Aurora. That address can be a bit misleading, though. Think of it this way, it's one block west of I-225 off Colfax. 

The Giant Pencil

Downtown Denver is the home of many unique sights: architecture, public art, and even a giant pencil! You read that correctly, a giant pencil is a favorite landmark of many Denverites. However, many folks are a bit unsure of what it actually is. Some say it's a smokestack, others say it's one of those chutes for dumping garbage. One article I found refers to it as a coal stack.

The pencil runs up the backside of the University Building, hence why the words "University Building" can be spotted on the bright yellow icon. The building, designed in 1910 by Fisher & Fisher Architects, was originally known as the A.C. Foster Building. In 1920 it was donated to the University of Denver. The school sold the building in 1980. Though the University building sits on the 16th Street Mall, the pencil is best viewed from one block over on 15th.

A few years ago, there were rumblings that changes to some of the neighboring buildings would result in the pencil being removed. For the time being, though, it stands proud in downtown Denver.

The University Building is found at 910 16th Street in Denver, but head over to 15th and Curtis for a better view.