PARK DISTRICT ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF “THE TIFFANY & CO. FOUNDATION CELEBRATION GARDEN"
Release Date: 08/28/09
On Wednesday, September9, Parkways Foundation and The Chicago Park District will unveil “The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden” located in Grant Park just south of Buckingham Fountain. In 2008, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation awarded Parkways Foundation a $1.25 million grant for the transformation of Grant Park’s south rose garden into a formal garden and event space adjacent to Buckingham Fountain.
“Parkways is grateful to The Tiffany & Co. Foundation as this garden is now part of the great legacy of philanthropic gifts to Chicago’s parks,” said Brenda Palm, Executive Director of Parkways Foundation. “This is a tremendous gift to the city as the garden will be for all to enjoy, and a place where brides and grooms, families and friends will celebrate memorable occasions.”
Visitors to the garden, which was designed by Douglas Hoerr of Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, will process down a ceremonial promenade bordered by an abundance of colorful blooms, hanging vines, and shaped evergreens. The garden highlights views of the city’s most beloved treasures: Buckingham Fountain, Lake Michigan, and the stunning view of Museum Campus.
A five-foot wide ceremonial circle of pink granite etched with the words, “The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden,” marks the center of the garden.Roman numeral coordinates for the longitude and latitude of the garden are etched into the medallion’s center. The formality of the garden pays homage to the majesty of its location and creates an elegant outdoor ‘room’ in which citizens can mark the important moments of their lives.
The garden’s plantings will provide multi-season color. In spring, visitors will see blooms from ornamental crabapple trees and spring bulbs. Throughout the summer and early autumn, annuals and perennials will feature blooms of white, purple, silver, and soft pinks accented with deep burgundy. In autumn and winter, the evergreen framework of the garden, comprised of undulating hedges, will maintain the garden’s form and structure.
“As one of the most generous capital grants ever awarded to the Parkways Foundation and the Chicago Park District, this partnership is a great example of how public-private partnerships work to innovatively fund Park District projects,” said Timothy J. Mitchell, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO.
Rental fees for the garden will go directly to Parkways Foundation which in turn be utilized for the ongoing annual maintenance of the new garden space. For more information or to book The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden please contact Diane Hren at (312) 742 4848 or Diane.Hren@ChicagoParkDistrict.com.
About Parkways
Parkways Foundation is the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District. 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.
About The Tiffany & Co. Foundation
Established in 2000, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations working in two main program areas: the environment and the arts. The Foundation’s environmental conservation program promotes responsible mining, healthy marine ecosystems, the enhancement of urban environments and the preservation of culturally significant landmarks. In addition, the Foundation fosters design excellence by supporting organizations dedicated to the decorative arts. For more information on The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, please visit www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529