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.