Rose Garden at Gage Park
We recently helped Shawnee County Parks and Recreation with the design of an addition to the iconic E.F.A. Reinisch Rose Garden pergola. The Client asked us to enhance and enlarge it so that it could be used for more events, such as corporate events and weddings. The County’s next steps will be fundraising using some of the images we’ve created and getting cost estimates from contractors with the architectural and structural CDs (construction documents). We were delighted to help enhance this historic feature of Topeka!
The Gage Park Rose Garden was established in 1930 by the Topeka Horticultural Society. At the time, the park had just been donated to the city by the family of former Kansas Governor Alfred G. Gage, and the Horticultural Society saw an opportunity to create something truly special. They decided to build a rose garden, which would not only add to the park's beauty but also help to promote horticulture and provide a source of education for the community.
The original garden was a modest affair, with just a few hundred rose bushes. But it quickly grew in popularity, and by the 1940s, it had become a major attraction for both locals and tourists. In 1958, the garden was expanded to its current size, covering over three acres and featuring more than 7,000 roses. Over the years, the garden has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades to maintain its beauty and functionality. Today, the garden is home to more than 400 varieties of roses, making it one of the largest and most diverse rose gardens in the Midwest.
The Gage Park Rose Garden has become a beloved landmark in Topeka, attracting visitors from all over the world. It's a testament to the power of nature and the enduring appeal of beauty and elegance. Whether you're a rose enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the scenery, the Gage Park Rose Garden is a must-see destination that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Falk Architects - rendering E.F.A. Reinisch Rose Garden in Topeka, KS