We were thrilled to spend the morning at Robert T. Matsui Waterfront Park celebrating the announcement that the City of Sacramento, in partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, was awarded $3.2 million from Caltrans’ Clean California Local Grant Program to build on the legacy of this park.

Later this year, the Sacramento Tree Foundation will break ground on a cherry blossom park that brings together nature, art, and culture, and this grant brings us one step close in turning this vision into reality.

Previous phases of accessibility, landscaping, and hardscaping improvements to the existing park are greatly improving its usability. This additional funding will in part help transform this section of our riverfront into an iconic destination for Sacramento that showcases public art and celebrates the contributions Japanese Americans have made to our region.

We couldn't be more excited to share a glimpse of our plans to build a cherry blossom park at this location. Every spring, just over 100 cherry trees will paint the waterfront pink with a bloom so spectacular that it draws visitors from all over the globe.

Throughout the world, people gather each spring to picnic on the grass or walk under blossoming cherry trees. In Japan, this tradition is called hanami and draws thousands of families to picnic, play, and relax in its parks.

For the stunning display of pink cherry blossoms flanking the Sacramento River, this grove is named the Hanami Line. Overlooking the river with sweeping views of the downtown skyline, the Hanami Line at Robert T. Matsui Park will connect Old Sacramento, West Sacramento via the I Street Bridge, the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, and the new Railyards developments in a central location next to the bike trail.

This park will provide a serene gathering space for residents year-round and a stunning springtime destination that adds to our civic pride in the City of Trees. With public art, ample seating, and plenty of space for gathering among the cherry trees, this park will become a hub for music, food, and cultural festivals and a favorite stop for community members.

We know that urban trees and green spaces play a big role in growing livable, lovable, and thriving communities. Beautification projects like the Hanami Line, made possible by support from philanthropic gifts, the City of Sacramento, and the Clean California Grant, are crucial to our region’s sense of place and civic pride.

We'd like to thank a few individuals for their ongoing support of the Hanami Line: our honorary co-chairs of this project, Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Japanese Consul General Hiroshi Kawamura, our capital campaign chair, Julie Teel, as well as Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Richard Pan, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, and Mayor Darrell Steinberg. And thanks also to Caltrans and the City of Sacramento for helping to bring this cherry blossom vision into reality.

We look forward to sharing more details about this park, including how you can help bring it to life, in mid-April.