Proceeds From the Tour Benefits the Buckingham Fountain Restoration
Parkways Foundation and Chicago Park District are teaming up this summer to offer visitors a rare chance to tour Chicago’s Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain’s underground pump works and learn more about the city’s iconic monument.
“We are excited to offer the public a chance to get up close and personal with Chicago’s iconic fountain,” said Tim Mitchell, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO. “Visitors can get a very unique historical perspective about the City and this beloved fountain, while helping give back to the preservation of the fountain and its legacy.”
The 30-minute tours, led by Julia Bachrach, Chicago Park District Historian, are offered each Friday at noon and at again 12:30p.m. running through Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. The cost of the tour is $50 and includes a Buckingham Fountain restoration project commemorative poster. For reservations or more information contact the Parkways Foundation at 312-742-5368 or rsvp@parkways.org.
All proceeds from the Buckingham Fountain Friday Tours will benefit the restoration of Buckingham Fountain.
During its 2008-2009 winter hiatus, the world-famous fountain underwent the first phase of renovations that included 235,000 square feet of new ADA accessible paving, installation of concrete stairs at the north and south, repairs to existing comfort stations and concession buildings, and restoration of the original landscape design with additional site lighting and benches. The historic fence surrounding the fountain was also repaired, including complete realignment, adjustments to shifted foundations, and replacement of missing components.
The second phase of renovations is slated to begin during the 2009 – 2010 winter hiatus and will include the restoration and repair of the fountain itself. A temporary heated shelter will be built around the fountain so that work can progress during the winter months. The scope of work in this next phase involves rebuilding the lower basin, installation of a new plumbing system, repair of the electrical system, rehabilitation of the historic pump house, and restoration of the fountain’s bronze sculptural elements.
About Parkways Foundation
Since its inception in 1994, Parkways Foundation has been funding park projects all over Chicago. The foundation has raised millions of dollars toward historic preservation and restoration, programming initiatives and environmental enrichment. Parkways Foundation seeks private investment to enrich the physical and cultural landscape of Chicago’s neighborhood parks. For more information about the Parkways Foundation please call 312-742-4808.
About Chicago Park District
For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 7,600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY or 312-747-2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312-742-PLAY.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Zvezdana Kubat, 312-742-4791
Alison Krzys, 312-742-4807
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