Grant Park
Grant Park has suffered much deprivation in the past, and was given the green light for several roadways to go through it, including Lake Shore Dr, Columbus Dr and Congress Pkwy. This resulted in the park being robbed of some of its best open areas. Desperate neglect saw this potentially beautiful area rapidly degenerate into a forest of weeds and dead trees. All of this changed quite suddenly and dramatically during the 1990's, when America was given the opportunity to host the 1994 football World Cup. Councils realized that many thousands of fans and visitors would be passing through the park on their way to the nearby stadium. This led to an ambitious program of rejuvenation and revitalization. Hundreds of beautiful new trees were planted, sidewalks were replaced and the stunning Buckingham Fountain was repaired. This was donated in 1927 by a wealthy widow called Kate Sturges Buckingham, in memory of her brother, Clarence. Its central fountain is meant to symbolize Lake Michigan, with the four water-spouting sea creatures representing the surrounding states. At its climax, the central fountain spouts water to a very impressive height of 150 feet. The best time to experience the full melodic effect is at about 9pm. A fabulous 1.5acre area containing the Wildflower Works, lies near the Daley Bicentennial Plaza. Other points of interest include the bronze lions, Henry Moore's Large Interior Form, Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Sitting Lincoln and the Fountain of the Great Lakes
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