A total of 60 cherry blossom trees will be planted in Jackson Park over the next 3 years.
Chicago Park District’s Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño joined Tetsuro Mitani, Executive Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC), at Jackson Park’s Japanese Garden to break ground and plant the first batch of cherry blossom trees in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the JCCC, and in conjunction with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The regional business organization will help fund the planting of 20 trees for the next three years for a total of 60 additional cherry blossom trees at the grove. By 2026, we hope to have grown our cherry blossom tree grove to nearly 250 trees. This collection of trees is part of the 250,000 tree canopy that is managed by the Chicago Park District. The citywide urban forest helps provide shade to keep our park visitors cool in the summer, absorbs stormwater and reduces flooding, as well as beautifies our neighborhoods.
“We are proud to honor the legacy of Chicago’s historic connections to the Japanese community and to continue to preserve the authenticity of their culture through the conservation of the Japanese Garden and the celebration of traditional events in our parks,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. “With the planting of each new tree, we are setting down roots that strengthen our environmental stewardship and conservation efforts, and grow our capacity to provide spaces that enhance our park experiences, while helping to combat the impact of global warming.”
In 2013, the first batch of trees were completely installed at Jackson Park in time to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, and another 50 trees were added in the three years to follow by the JCCC in honor of their 50th anniversary and the relationship between Chicago and Japan.
In the fall of 2022, the Park District planted an additional 34 cherry blossom trees bordering the Museum of Science and Industry steps to bring the total to 190.
Jackson Park visitors will see the newly planted cherry blossom trees on the Wooded Island around the Japanese Garden, and near the Columbia Basin, located at 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., east side of Cornell Ave., just south of Museum of Science and Industry.
When visiting the Japanese Garden, visitors will also enjoy walking over the newly restored Moon Bridge. In November 2023, the Park District entered into a professional service agreement with a specialty contractor trained in Japanese woodworking and bridge building. In addition, the gorgeous waterfall inside the Japanese Garden is on for the season, and offers a spectacular view as water streams down handpicked rocks into the koi filled pond where blue heron birds are known to stop by for a drink of water and to rest.
Events:
In partnership with cultural partners, including the Japanese Arts Foundation, the Japanese Culture Center, the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago and the Jackson Park Advisory Council, the Park District will host a variety of events inspired in the Japanese culture.
• Wed., May 22, 2024, from 6 pm – 7 pm: Yoga & Pilates, a free lesson
• Tues., Aug. 6, 2024, from 7 pm - 11 pm: Toro Nagashi Lantern Ceremony
• Tues., Sep. 17, 2024, from 8 pm - 11 pm: Tsukimi Chicago: Moon Viewing Festival