A celebration of sculptures: Renovations to Geri Moulton Children’s Park now complete
The park is filled with more than 50 life-size bronze sculptures (and a few larger-than-life displays) depicting children, families and animals, providing a place of enjoyment for employees, patients and the community.
By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu
After months of work to enhance shaded sidewalks and a whimsical feature pond flanked by amphibious creatures, renovations have been completed on Geri Moulton Children’s Park on USA Health’s campus in Midtown Mobile.
A celebration under the oaks was held on Oct. 27 to rededicate the park that spans from Springhill Avenue to Center Street at the entrance of USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Geri Moulton, wife of the late Gordon Moulton — the University of South Alabama’s second president — shared stories about the creation of the park, which opened in 2001.
“This Mobile treasure would not be here today if not for the tireless efforts of Geri Moulton and a close group of her friends and artists and their dream to bring a sculpture park to our city and academic health system,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Many more generations to come will enjoy the park because of their dedication to enhancing the quality of life in our community.”
The park is filled with more than 50 life-size bronze sculptures (and a few larger-than-life displays) depicting children, families and animals, providing a place of enjoyment for employees, patients, and the community. Since it opened more than two decades ago, countless families have made it a backdrop for holiday cards and photo shoots, taking advantage of the lush green setting and striking sculptures.
“One of the first things that captured my attention when I joined USA Health was this beautiful park,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, CEO of USA Health. “As the health system has grown, the Mitchell Cancer Institute and Strada Patient Care Center now stand on either side, making Geri Moulton Children’s Park truly the heart of our midtown campus.”
Visitors to the park can enjoy the public art and learn more about the history of each sculpture. Plaques placed near the pieces include the name of the artwork and offer a glimpse into the love and care shown to those they were created to honor.
“To me, this park is a reminder of the compassionate care we give our patients and their families,” said Debbie Browning, M.S.N., RN, CENP, CEO of Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Sometimes such care can come outside the walls of a hospital, medical office or cancer center. Sometimes, it’s offered through a quiet spot that gives someone time for peaceful reflection in a natural setting.”
