City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (816) 561-9710

Description: Loose Park wasn’t always so serene. At one time this was the site of the bloody Civil War Battle of Westport, but today the only reminders are historical markers placed throughout the 75 acres. An 8-foot-high bronze statue of Jacob Loose watches over the garden named in his honor. And early-morning joggers, Plaza workers breaking for lunch, late-afternoon lovers, and children counting ducks (just don’t feed them, please) are all drawn to this space up the hill from the Plaza. Within Loose Park is the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden, with a reflecting pool, a fragrant display of more than 4,000 colorful blooms, and a small lake with a tranquil lily pond. Although Jacob Loose’s widow, Ella, who commissioned the park in 1927, had requested athletic fields, we’re secretly glad someone dropped the ball, so to speak. Without shouts of fouls and scores, Loose Park provides a restful, peaceful retreat.