a mother and her two daughters tentatively enter the garden, not really knowing what to
expect once inside. it's an unseasonably pleasant Sunday afternoon in august and the trio
has come with light snacks and sodas. There's a young couple sitting on the corner of a
marble bench that encloses a small patch of land with young trees and other greenery. The
mother relaxes on the other end of the bench while her youngest daughter starts to explore
the in-ground fountains. Dressed in skinny jeans, a T-shirt and Converse sneakers, she
peeps at the fountain spout in front of her and waits for the water's next appearance. The
water peeps out from the concrete about 2 inches then retreats. She anxiously waits for
the fountain's next appearance, which comes out higher and a little more forceful, soaking
her pink sneakers and both the younger girl and her sister begin to giggle. They start to run
through the fountains, laughing, giggling, getting soaked finding pure joy in something
so simple.
There were others taking in this afternoon delight. on this same Sunday afternoon, young
couples and older ones stroll through Citygarden, downtown's newest gem. fathers and
daughters play in the wading pool surrounding other statuesque fountains. newlyweds still
in their ceremony attire and other models take their place among the photographers' new
backdrop of natural elements and city landscaping.
Citygarden debuted in its downtown St. Louis location June 30. The garden represents a
partnership between the City of St. Louis, which owns the land, and the non-profit, St. Louis-
based Gateway foundation, which provided the funding -- including an estimated $25-
$30 million for design and construction and "soft" costs like insurance and maintenance.
Through the generosity of the Gateway foundation, the non-profit organization whose
mission is to enrich life and culture in the city through outdoor art and urban design, St.
Louis has landed one of the most unique and sensually (as in the senses) pleasing spots
in the city.
The two-block oasis features two dozen works of modern and contemporary sculpture
by some of the world's most highly regarded artists. Some of the artists include fernand
Leger, Mark di Suvero, Keith haring, Martin Puryear, Jim Dine, Tony Smith and aristide
Maillol.
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