Hanami Line groundbreaking

by Taylor Elgin

July 10, 2023

Eight local and state leaders stand behind a pink ribbon tied between two cherry blossom trees at the official groundbreaking of the Hanami Line. Six leaders hold shovels wrapped in a pink bow. (Standing from left to right: Consul General of Japan in San Francisco Noguchi Yasushi, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Mayor Darrell Steinberg, former SacTree executive director Ray Tretheway, SacTree Executive Director Jessica Sanders, Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet Benipal.)

After a decade of planning, designing, and permitting, we are absolutely thrilled and delighted to share that the construction of the Hanami Line at Robert T. Matsui Waterfront Park will begin this summer. On Thursday, June 29th the Sacramento Tree Foundation celebrated the official groundbreaking of this one-of-a-kind park. 

Congresswoman Doris Matsui smiles while posing in front of the Hanami Line park design plans.
Congresswoman Doris Matsui proudly smiles in front of renderings of the park.
A historic day

The day was filled with traditional Japanese taiko and dance performances, delicious Japanese mochi from Osaka-Ya, and well over 100 supporters celebrating the momentous day. In attendance was Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, NOGUCHI Yasushi, and many other local leaders, elected officials, donors, and community partners who helped bring this vision to reality.  Matsui, who also serves as a Capital Campaign Honorary Co-Chair, told the audience of partners and supporters, “This is where Sacramento began: the confluence of two great rivers….The Hanami Line aims to revitalize the history [of Japanese Americans] and honor those who came before us.”  

Dressed in a traditional Japanese robe, performer Rieko Kotoku plays a taiko drum while performer Kaori Kubota-Sakauye plays a wooden flute. To bicyclists ride by in the background.
Taiko performers Rieko Kotoku and Kaori Kubota-Sakauye. 

The Sacramento Tree Foundation announced it had exceeded its $6.95M campaign goal for a total of $7.6M raised to plan, design, build, and maintain the exceptional 1.5 acre park. There are still naming opportunities available, including the ability to name a cherry tree. Contact us for more information.  

The park

Located along the Sacramento River, the park will be home to over 100 ‘Pink Flair’ cherry blossom trees. The park will also feature a striking promenade designed with a traditional seigaiha wave pattern, an iconic art sculpture designed by the husband-and-wife duo of Reed Madden Designs, unique benches made from reclaimed urban wood from the region, and many more distinctive amenities!  

Sacramento Tree Foundation Executive Director Jessica Sanders smiles while addresses the crowd at the Hanami Line groundbreaking.

The unique park will provide a welcoming space to gather, relax and play while celebrating the rich contributions Japanese Americans have made to our region. “This cherry tree park will welcome visitors from throughout our entire region while serving as the local park for the new developments in the Railyards and River District. I cannot wait to sit under the cherry blossoms and enjoy the awe and beauty of our amazing city,” said Sacramento Tree Foundation Executive Director, Jessica Sanders. 

To learn more about the project, visit sactree.org/hanami, or to make a gift, visit sactree.org/hanami/donate. Follow us on social media for park construction updates and more!