Millennium Park
(photos by Lee Bey)
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley asked me back in 2003, "So what do you think of the park?" He was talking about nearly-completed Millennium Park. I was a mayoral deputy chief of staff and although I didn't work on Millennium Park (Soldier Field was my project), he and I always had frank discussions about design.
"It's alright," I said. "But it reminds me of a miniature golf course. You go here and see the fountain, then over there to see the artwork. What does it all add up to? I don't know..."
"Well," he said, "Wait until the people get there." That ended that part of our discussion.
I wasn't sold on Millennium Park. I thought it was too much...packed in too small a space. I had visions it would be like the city's Navy Pier: sound and fury signifying nothing. Then the night of the official opening in 2004, my wife and I went down to take a look. When I saw a grown woman in her sport bra, playing in the Crown Fountain with her kids, I figured the park was making a connection to people. Whenever I visit the park, I see Chicagoans and visitors from every corner, mingling, watching, gawking, laughing.
Above: A trio of women enjoying lunch at Millennium Park in 2005
I've grown to enjoy the park. It's brought people, activity and development to a part of downtown that was on the bubble only a few years ago. It's one of the few places in this still racially and economically balkanized city where people of various backgrounds can mix.
Above: Child frolicks in the Crown Fountain
Designwise, I reserve the right to feel correct in my opinion about the park. Not that it really matters. The people are there.
Above: The fountain and peristyle at the north end of the park.
Comments
Take individually the "pieces" of Millennium Park are generally great. Like you though I didn't think they "worked" together.
Maybe the fact that they don't is part of the attraction.
What certainly is part of the attraction is the way parts of the park bring joy to people. Some times the simple things like reflections and water are the best things.
I'd rather have a place where people take their shoes off and wade into the water than a place where a handful of people try to figure out the "deeper significance".
Maybe the "deeper significance" is that it is fun and joyful. It would be nice if more public spaces brought out the same emotions.
Posted by: irishpirate | August 1, 2007 12:57 PM