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NatureParks & Gardens

There Are Giant Pennies Hiding At PlayGarden Park In Mississippi Just Like Something Out Of A Storybook

PlayGarden Park in Fulton, Mississippi, features whimsical sculptures by Tom Otterness, making it a magical and unique destination.

Published Mar 24, 2022

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

Giant versions of everyday objects are undeniably magical. It’s as if they’ve been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. That’s certainly the feeling you’ll get when you visit PlayGarden Park. One of Mississippi’s best kept – and most magical – secrets, it’s filled with whimsical sculptures of giant pennies, along with carvings of tiny houses donning skirts.

The small town of Fulton isn’t exactly brimming with things to do and sites to see.

A small town street scene featuring brick buildings, shops, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Brian Stansberry/Wikimedia

Don't assume it has nothing to offer, though. It's actually where you'll find one of the state’s most magical gems – PlayGarden Park.

A whimsical bronze statue of a smiling coin character with fountains in a park setting.
fulton.itawambams.com

Like something straight out of a storybook, the park is home to sculptures of personified pennies and houses.

The biggest sculpture, which depicts a penny and a house together in harmony, is about 12 feet tall.

A whimsical statue of a smiling character holding a shield, surrounded by fountains in a park setting.
Amy Bryan/Google

The adorable sculpture serves as the centerpiece of the park’s fountain. Another giant penny sits at the park’s entrance, welcoming visitors with open arms.

A majority of the sculptures are on the smaller side – about a foot or less.

A whimsical metal sculpture of a house stands in a park, with playground equipment visible in the background.
Amy Bryan/Google

They’re scattered about the park and can be found doing everything from peeping out of the bushes to scampering across the sidewalk.

The whimsical sculptures are the work of Tom Otterness.

A large bronze sculpture of a coin and a boxy character, both smiling, against a clear blue sky.
The Itawamba County Development Council/Facebook

Revered as “one of America's most prolific public artists,” Otterness’ works adorn public spaces around the world.

A whimsical bronze sculpture on a brick mound featuring playful figures, including a child with a flute and animals.
Brbbl/Wikimedia

Many of Otterness’ creations bear similarities. For instance, they all feature playful characters made from bronze.

A large bronze sculpture of a whimsical cat lying on the ground in a park with picnic tables and yellow umbrellas nearby.
Tom Otterness/Facebook

The sculptures at PlayGarden Park are especially similar to those found in The Marriage of Real Estate and Money, an Otterness creation on New York’s Roosevelt Island.

A plaque titled "The Marriage of Money and Real Estate" by Tom Otterness, beside a water feature.
David D. Janowski/Google

Aside from a ton of whimsy, the park boasts all the perks of a standard park, including a playground, gazebo, and picnic tables. For more info on this magical gem tucked away in the hills of north Mississippi, check out the City of Fulton website.

If you enjoyed this, you're sure to love this enchanted trail in Mississippi.

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