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Part of being eco-conscious is utilizing the resources that we have and keeping them restored and in working condition rather than throwing them away or tearing them down and making something new. The restoration project of Buckingham Fountain in Chicago is a perfect example of this. The fountain is a beautiful centerpiece in Grant Park. Built in 1927 it has been a main attract of our Chicago parks for years and once the restoration project is complete is will continue to be for many years to come. Please read more about the restoration project and consider making a donation or even better, as I previously mentioned, take a tour of the fountain – you’ll not only get to learn more about the fountain but will be making a donation to the restoration. 

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Have you ever wondered what it looks like beneath Chicago’s Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain? This summer, Parkways Foundation and the Chicago Park District present weekly guided tours of this Chicago icon.

I’m definitely going to do this tour this summer.  The fountain is magnificent and will be even more grand after the restoration is complete.  In the mean-time I think it’ll be very interesting to learn about the fountain and see the side of it that we normally can’t see.  The $50 tour fee benefits the restoration of the 82 year old fountain so it’ll be great to be a part of that – even in a small way!

Thirty-minute tours are offered every Friday at 12 Noon, and afford a rare glimpse of the underground pump works (pictured, at left). Tours are $50 and run from June 19 through September 4, while the fountain is closed for the first full restoration in its 82-year history.

Tour participants will receive a complimentary Buckingham Fountain Restoration Project Commemorative Poster and all proceeds will benefit the fountain’s restoration. For reservations or information, please contact the Parkways Foundation at 312.742.5368, or via email.