As Buckingham Fountain put on its signature water show Saturday morning, Yale Sage relaxed in a green metal chair, tilting his face toward the sun as he listened to the cascading water.
Sage was one of dozens of visitors lounging around the iconic fountain during the debut of the Chicago Park District’s new seating program.
“Right here, with the view, the sound and the changing flow of the water, it’s been the almost perfect morning,” said the 80-year-old from Streeterville.
The movable chairs were inspired by the seating found in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. City officials said the program, which debuted with 100 chairs manufactured by Paris-based Fermob, is designed to “encourage social gathering” and give visitors a place to relax and enjoy the fountain.
On Saturday morning, visitors were seen gathered in large groups, sitting in pairs or pulling a chair back to avoid being sprayed by the fountain’s water.
Barbara Kay Herring and Robin Strand, members of Plein Air Painters Chicago, planned their outing hoping to draw inspiration for their art from the popular landmark.
“I was expecting something a little, you know, Frenchier, but I think these are just lovely,” said Herring as she sketched on a pad. “The colors are conducive with everything … and for most people they’re comfortable.”
Strand agreed, sitting on the edge of a chair to reach her easel. “I like them. I think they’re nice,” she said.
The 100 chairs are as light as a folding chair and split between those with an upright back and ones that slightly recline.
Nathan Zito of the Loop sat alone after finishing his morning run. A nearby resident and frequent visitor to the park, he said it was a pleasant surprise to find a place to rest at the fountain.
“They’re very loungy, they feel good,” said Zito, 29.
Zito agreed the chairs could give visitors not only a place to hangout, but also an opportunity to meet new people.
While Buckingham Fountain has long been a popular attraction, the lack of seating and other amenities often made it a brief stop for visitors. Zito was among many who said the new chairs could encourage people to linger longer and enjoy the historic fountain.
“I think it’s nice,” he said, “And I’m single, so maybe you sit next to somebody and you start talking.”
The added comfort, however, comes at a cost.
At roughly $500 apiece, the total price tag for the chairs is $54,438, according to the park district.
Of that, $24,438 was funded by the city. Lollapalooza, which partnered on the project and will host its 21st festival in Grant Park July 30-Aug. 2, paid the remaining $30,000.
“Get out of here,” Sage said when he heard the price. “Seems like a lot for a metal chair.”
“But I am comfortable,” he added.
Buckingham Fountain was turned on for the season in early May. The fountain runs for 20 minutes every hour, during which a center jet shoots as high as 150 feet into the air. The chairs are available at 8 a.m. and the display begins daily at 9 a.m.
“Celebrating its 99th season, this beloved fountain is where the entire city gathers to enjoy its breathtaking displays and the civic pride that grows when Chicagoans come together,” said Chicago Park District general superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa in a statement. “We invite Chicagoans and tourists to enjoy this new amenity and create their own view of Grant Park.”
Olga Goronok, a tourist from Houston, was visiting Chicago for the first time. She planned to spend Saturday walking through downtown and said the chairs near the fountain were the perfect place to take a break.
“I think it’s going to give the locals a nice place to gather,” said Goronok, 49, though she wondered how the city would keep them in good condition and prevent them from being stolen.
According to the Park District the new chairs will be secured each evening after the last fountain display at 11 p.m.