Kansas City’s beloved rose garden in Loose Park is more than a picturesque destination; it is the result of a vision that began nearly a century ago with a Lake Quivira resident whose passion for roses helped shape a city landmark.

In 1931, Laura Conyers Smith, founder of the Lake Quivira Garden Club, joined a small group of volunteers to establish the Kansas City Rose Society (https://www.kansascityrosesociety.org/). What began as a shared enthusiasm for roses quickly grew into something far more enduring.

Laura and her husband, Clifford B. Smith, lived at Lake Quivira from the late 1920s through the 1940s. Their home overlooked the lake and featured a thoughtfully cultivated garden that reflected Laura’s deep appreciation for natural beauty. Photographs from the 1940s capture the charm of their property, including vibrant plantings and serene waterfront views.

The early 20th century saw a nationwide fascination with roses—especially hybrid varieties—and a growing movement to create public rose gardens. Although the Great Depression slowed many civic efforts, Laura’s enthusiasm never waned. Having grown up in Portland, Oregon—famously known as the “City of Roses”—she brought that inspiration with her to Kansas City.

At her Lake Quivira home, Laura hosted small gatherings where friends shared tea and listened to weekly “Rose Talks” broadcast by the American Rose Society. One program in April 1931, titled “How to Establish a Municipal Rose Garden,” sparked a bold idea: Kansas City should create one of its own.

The response was swift. Within a week, the Kansas City Rose Society was formed, with Laura serving as its first president. By June 1931, her vision had taken root in what is now Jacob L. Loose Memorial Park (https://kcparks.org/places/loose-park/).

The land itself carries a rich history. Once the site of a Civil War encampment, it later became a golf course for the Kansas City Country Club. In 1927, Ella Clark Loose purchased the 80-acre property and donated it to the city as a public park in memory of her husband, Jacob L. Loose, founder of the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company (now Sunshine Biscuits).

On June 7, 1931, the first 120 rose bushes were dedicated in the park’s northwest corner. The Rose Society provided the roses, while the Parks Department maintained them, a partnership that allowed the garden to flourish.

Over the decades, the garden expanded and evolved. In 1944, an extension was dedicated to honor those who served in World War II. In 1965, the garden was officially renamed the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in tribute to its founder.

Today, the 1.5-acre garden features nearly 3,000 roses representing approximately 130 varieties. Recognized both nationally and internationally, it remains one of Kansas City’s most cherished settings for weddings, photography, and quiet reflection.

The next time you stroll beneath the pergolas, admire the limestone arches, or pause beside the reflecting pool, consider the garden’s roots. What began with a small gathering at a Lake Quivira home has blossomed into a lasting legacy—one that continues to connect the Lake Quivira community to this timeless Kansas City treasure.

Images sourced from the Kansas City Public Library digital history collection, The Pendergast Years: Lake Quivira. (https://kclibrary.org/digital/pendergast-years)