Paulson Playground, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar: 1300 Paulson Avenue
Pittsburgh is fortunate to have a considerable amount of public art (both “city-approved” and “under the radar”), and many of these pieces are found in parks and playgrounds. Upon entering Paulson Playground, a visitor is immediately greeted by a large, tubular sculpture painted sky blue. It’s positioned close to the spray park, which is the perfect place, and I’m sure there have been a few folks over the years who have wondered why it too didn’t spray water!
The piece was commissioned by the City in the 1970s and placed at the entrance to the public swimming pool, which stood where the spray park is today. The artist was Josefa Filkosky, a 1963 BFA recipient from CMU and a nun with the Sisters of Charity from 1956 through 1974. While an internet search details many of her sculptures in Pittsburgh and beyond, there’s little about WHO she was as a person, and the artistic and religious path she traveled during her life. I suppose that to many, she completely went against the stereotypes and expectations of a woman living a religious life and a woman living a creative life.
For anyone interested in visiting city-approved pieces of public art, EngagePGH has a page aptly titled “Public Art Collection,” which includes a map and inventory (last updated in 2023) and an 8-episode podcast series. If you’re looking for a 2026 activity that gets you out of the house and off your screen, this might be a fun choice. With close to 200 public installations throughout the City, there’s plenty to view and investigate.
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