The Milton Keynes Rose was created in Campbell Park, Central Milton Keynes, by artist Gordon Young. It is an impressive & accessible civic space in the heart of the city for the community. It brings people together to commemorate, celebrate & contemplate. It is made up of 106 granite pillars, which over time will be inscribed with dates of events important to local people. Pillars already inscribed include Armistice Day, Disability Day, Diwali, Bletchley Park, World Poetry, Eid, International Women's Day, Volunteers Day, World Refugee Day, Summer Solstice, First Tea Bag Day, World Peace Day, International Joke Day. All the inscribed pillars are features on Milton Keynes Rose website and individuals and organisations are welcome to get in touch to arrange celebrations and commemorations of their own.

Why the community needs us
Milton Keynes is maturing to meet the needs of its growing & diverse communities. The Rose is unique in providing a setting where social exchanges take place, where neighbours, friends, families & individuals gather & mix, to share experiences, interests & cultures. Communities were asking for a special place to commemorate & celebrate, so some pillars will be inscribed with dates & events suggested by local people, the rest will mark history & future events that have yet to take place. In the summer of 2020 we raised funds to engrave a new pillar to remember those who lost their lives to COVID 19 and to celebrate the hard work of nurses, doctors, police, voluntary sector, MK Council and all other front line staff for all their work during this challenging time. We also inscribed a pillar to celebrate the amazing work of the thousands of volunteers in MK who support the people in our community.

Our impact on the community
The Milton Keynes Rose is a catalyst to bring our diverse community together, a public space for everyone. All ages & cultures gather & celebrate & remember special events throughout the year. The community is encouraged to animate a pillar to commemorate important events to them. These varied activities throughout the year break down barriers, provide educational opportunities, increases awareness of interests & issues, develops community engagement, overcomes isolation & enhances civic life.