Cherry blossoms are delicate and
clustered together on the high banks of Cherry Creek they make a bold and
beautiful statement. There is no doubt, the city of Denver has changed over
the last sixteen years. Nestled in among high steel and concert buildings are
beautiful shimmering cherry trees, over 1000 planted by SGI-USA Denver
members. Research showed that in the early days of Colorado, the American
Indians planted cherry trees along the banks of the river which was why it is
known as Cherry Creek. The SGI-USA Denver members wanted to restore the beauty
that had once been part of its heritage.
The SGI-USA Denver Culture Center opened in 1989 and they donated one
hundred cherry trees to the city. Three guests from the city and park service
came to help plant the first trees by the Culture Center. The then Mayor Frederico Pena and
City Councilman Dennis Gallagher both participated in this activity.
However, out of one hundred trees, only three survived. Through much trial and
error the members have since learned how to plant and care for the trees.
In 1994 the city and park service
recognized the efforts of the members officially for the first time. This was
significant because originally, no one thought that the species of trees
planted, Yoshino cherry trees, would survive the cold winters and they
discouraged the SGI-USA members from planting them. But the members persevered
and planted them anyway. The trees survived and thrived.
In 1996 President Daisaku Ikeda came to
Denver and he planted a cherry tree in the park
next to the Denver
Culture Center. In that same year he was presented
with the first Honorary Doctorate of Education in North America from Denver University.
The City of Denver recognized the establishment of the Cherry Tree Garden in Jacobs Park in 1998. Forty
five trees were planted there and a plaque beside a bench in the garden reads
from lines in the opening of the book "The Human Revolution" by President
Ikeda.
"Nothing is more precious than peace. Nothing
brings more happiness. Peace is the most basic starting point for the
advancement of humankind."
Mayor Webb and Mrs. Webb joined the SGI-USA
members in replanting cherry trees in City Park. Replanting because in 1939 the
first Japanese immigrants planted cherry trees in City Park. Mrs. Sadako Tsubokawa, who is
a friend of the SGI-USA is the daughter of Dr. Miyamoto who first planted the
cherry trees and she was on hand to help commemorate these times. Her father was
a friend of the then Governor Ralph Carr who encouraged Japanese from internment
camps relocate to the Colorado area after WWII.
In 2003 Vice General Director Brian Matsuo
presented a friendship plaque to Mayor Webb in recognition of his support of
SGI-USA for their continued efforts in planting cherry trees.
Starting with a very humble beginning
and a lot of hard work this project has truly grown. Members come out
every year and bring family and friends to help bring beauty to the city. Trees
and members alike are standing beautiful and bold!
For information about cherry tree planting, contact Brian
Matsuo, project coordinator at the Denver Culture Center
Locations: Cherry Creek, Speer Blvd.,
Takayama Park, Sakura Square, Botanic Gardens, Carnegie Green Garden of
University of Denver, City Park, Jacobs Park, Confluence Park, Washington Park,
Sunken Park, Harvard Gulch Park, Harvey Park, and Boulder. Trees usually bloom
in early April.