[Sukoshis Gma]

Loose Park is the grande dame of all Kansas City greenways. The 80-acre park was given to the city in 1929 by Ella Loose to honor her husband Jacob, a businessman and philanthropist. Set just south of the Country Club Plaza, Loose Park provides everything from elegance to exercise. The elegance of the park stems from the famous Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden (built in 1939) and the classical walkway that leads to it. As spring arrives, more than 4,000 roses -- in 125 varieties -- burst to life in the circular garden courtyard reminiscent of a royal setting for a Shakespeare play. Fountains and statues, stone and wooden arbors, large verandas and pathways make this one of the most romantic spots in the whole city. Many Kansas City couples can trace their relationships from first kiss to wedding reception in the rose garden. And elegance bows to tranquility just southeast of the rose garden, where a multi-tiered pond sits at the edge of the park. Plenty of benches, bridges and small nooks allow for a restful stop from the busy city, even though the lake is just yards from Wornall Road. The pond attracts geese and ducks and is stocked with some ornamental fish. Exercise is easy to find as well, although no athletic fields are allowed in the expansive green space. There is, however, a jogging and walking path that encircles the entire park as well as tennis courts just west of the rose garden. And, the gently rolling hills that make up the large grassy middle are perfect for flying kites, playing catch, walking the dog or just meditating under a tree. There's also history lessons at Loose, both war and artistic. Markers along the southern edge of the park describe the Battle of Westport, part of which was fought near these grounds. The artistic history is not marked, but perhaps should be. In 1978, world-famous artist Christof and his wife Jean-Claude wrapped the Loose Park pathways with 135,000 feet of golden yellow cloth. The cloth is gone now, but the artistry of the park that attracted Christof remains.