Massive 30-Foot Rhino Sculpture "Rhingo" Becomes Denver's Newest Community Landmark
Denver's RiNo Art District welcomed its newest resident Thursday - a towering 22,000-pound steel rhino sculpture that community members have affectionately named "Rhingo." The 30-foot-tall installation marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the historic Denargo Market area into a vibrant community gathering space.
The colorful, climbable sculpture represents more than just public art - it signals the beginning of a major community-focused development that will reshape how Denver families experience their city's riverfront. Located at the corner of 29th Street and Arkins Court, Rhingo stands as a testament to Colorado's commitment to blending urban development with public spaces that bring communities together.
Community Voice Shapes Denver's Newest Icon
In a show of true Colorado community spirit, nearly 1,500 local residents participated in the "Name the Rhino" campaign, selecting "Rhingo" from finalist names including Rosey, Roxy, Rusty, and Spike.
"The rhino is our first big step in prioritizing public elements for locals and visitors to interact with," said Sean Campbell, CEO of FORMATIV. "Whether you're climbing its sides, snapping a photo, or exploring our new parks and river activation, the rhino will welcome you to Denargo Market as a landmark that will be enjoyed for generations to come."
Colorado Craftsmanship Brings Vision to Life
The project showcases Colorado talent, with local fabricators JunoWorks and Eldorado Climbing Walls bringing the vision to life, supported by Craft Engineering Studio. The weather-resistant steel structure features:
- All-weather climbable panels
- Custom paint design
- Integrated lighting systems
- Interactive elements including birdhouses
- Photography-friendly design features
Transforming Denver's Urban Landscape
The installation is part of an ambitious 17-acre redevelopment project that will offer Denver residents:
- 4 acres of public parks and plazas
- Protected bike lanes and improved sidewalks
- A half-acre green lawn with pop-jet fountain
- Multi-sport courts for basketball and pickleball
- An already-completed 56-unit affordable housing community
While Rhingo isn't yet open for climbing, Denver families can look forward to accessing this unique community asset later this summer when the surrounding recreational spaces open to the public. The development represents a significant investment in creating spaces where Colorado families can gather, play, and build community connections along the South Platte riverfront.
The broader Denargo Market development, located just north of Downtown Denver, is zoned for 3 million square feet of mixed-use space, promising to bring new residential, retail, office, and hospitality opportunities to the area while maintaining a strong focus on public accessibility and community engagement.
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