The city of Sacramento will soon be home to a 1.5 acre cherry blossom park – also called a Hanami Line – along the Sacramento River in Robert T. Matsui Park.
The Sacramento Tree Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, last week announced project plans and shared renderings of the park upgrades.
“We are in immense gratitude for the vision and hard work from all involved over the last 9 years to create a legacy cherry blossom park,” said Sacramento Tree Foundation Executive Director Jessica Sanders. “The spectacular trees and public art featured here will add to the momentum on our waterfront, serving as a place for community festivals and events, and drawing visitors from all over the world.”
“The Hanami Line is exciting not only for its beauty but also as a reflection of Sacramento’s Japanese heritage and its identity as the City of Trees,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “I’m grateful to the Sacramento Tree Foundation and the state of California for partnering with the city to bring this vision to reality.”
The project is funded through the Sacramento Tree Foundation, City of Sacramento, Caltrans Clean California Grant, a $500,000 commitment from UC Davis Health and philanthropic gifts from individuals. The $6.95 million in upgrades to the City of Sacramento park is expected to be completed in 2023.
Features of the park will include 100 “Pink Flair” cherry blossoms, public art, native and drought tolerant landscaping, lighting, ample seating with an area meant to host festivals.
The park serves as a connection point between the new Railyards developments, Old Sacramento and the I Street Bridge along the Sacramento River.
The City is currently managing construction to improve accessibility near the park with an ADA walkway that joins the parking lot next to the Museum of Science and Curiosity with the park and bike trail.