SPRINGFIELD, MO — Friends of the Garden, in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, dedicated the newly redeveloped Rose Garden Tuesday, May 18, at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield.

The Rose Garden was the first garden built two decades ago in the southwest corner of the park. In the last year, it has been rebuilt to include a gazebo echoing elements of the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center building, surrounded by benches and large planters. The former pea gravel walkways have been replaced with fully accessible tinted stamped concrete pathways. The garden bed space has now doubled, with room for a significant collection of roses, including arbors for climbing roses and several transplants from the previous rose garden. 

“The upgrades to this garden bring a more formal rose garden feel and most importantly, provide accessibility to all,” said Lisa Bakerink, Development Director for Friends of the Garden. “The newly renovated garden allows ample accessible pathways for all to enjoy one of the most exquisite, graceful and beloved of all garden flowers.” 

The renovation was made possible by a generous donation from Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten, in partnership with Friends of the Garden and Park Board staff. Wooten has sponsored the garden since 2017. Steinert’s Greenhouse & Gardens has also supported the Rose Garden for nearly 20 years, providing many of the rose varieties in the garden.

Senior Parks Planner Jeff Smith developed the construction documents, based on initial concepts created by now-retired Senior Parks Planner Dennis McMan. Project contractors included Liming Concrete and Jim Pass.

Assistant Parks Director Miles Park said the new garden design serves as a model for additional garden renovations planned at the park. 

“There are design elements in the Rose Garden that are to be replicated in other areas, that will improve the visitor experience and enhance the sense of place,” said Park. “It’s an example of the next level of design planned for Springfield Botanical Gardens.” 

Tuesday’s ceremony included a brief program, a ribbon-cutting and refreshments. To find the Rose Garden, take your first right upon entering the park and follow the road straight to the end. Parking is available nearby. 

For media inquiries, contact contact Friends of the Garden at 417-874-2952, or Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-224-5510.

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