Pokey Park

Pokey Park created thirty-six animal habitat sculptures for the Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital (LPCH) in Palo Alto, CA.

The hospital underwent an expansion and its themes were planned around the geographical eco regions of California.  Each of the hospital’s six levels would be typical of a geographical ecosystem: Rocky Shore, Redwood Forest, Valley, Desert, Foothills, and Mountains. Park’s animal sculptures were designed to be the iconic ambassadors for the different zones.

The sculptures are in niches on the outside wall at the entrance, the lobby windowsill, the staircase and the elevator.  The first installation was in April 2017, the second installation was November 2017, and the final installation for the fifth floor was in September 2019.

Research was a key element in creating the animal sculptures; Park focused on depicting endangered species.  She loved the challenge of depicting the correct anatomical details of the animals in her unique style.  The sculptures are lively and have an engaging, playful manner.