Our Focus: Cherry Trees
Cherry Trees of the Blackstone
The Cherry Trees of the Blackstone is a joint initiative of The Pawtucket Foundation and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to work with the Cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls to plant Cherry Trees along Roosevelt Avenue in the two communities. In the spring of 2009, 65 rancho cherry trees were purchased and planted in the project area. In the Spring of 2010 another 20 trees were planted on the west side of Roosevelt Avenue. The tree planting inspried the hosting of the first annual Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival on May 1, 2010. Visit www.richerryblossomfestival.com for more information.
Leave a lasting memory and support the Cherry Trees of the Blackstone
Commemorative bricks to raise funds for Cherry Trees are available for purchase. Click here to order a brick.
A cherry tree memorial project has been created to allow patrons to donate money in exchange for named recognition on a brick paver to be installed in the project area. Bricks start at $100 and may be ordered online through the Bricks 'R Us website or by calling the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council at 401-724-2200.
Become a visible part of these communities by memorializing someone special, honoring a friend or family member, or just leaving your name as someone who cares about beautifying these communities. These bricks will be seen by residents and visitors for years to come. Brick prices are as follows: Engraved 4x8 Brick $100 Engraved 8x8 Brick $300 Engraved 8x8 Brick w/ Logo $500. Purchased bricks will be inlaid in the Cherry Tree wells for visitors to enjoy.
All proceeds from the brick campaign benefit The Pawtucket Foundation's Landscape Improvement Fund to raise money for the installation and future maintenance of the blossoming Cherry Trees recently planted along Roosevelt Avenue. The project came about in late 2008 as members of the private sector expressed interest in revitalizing streetscapes in Pawtucket and Central Falls. A cherry tree committee, comprised of municipal, private sector, and horticulture experts was comprised and in the spring of 2009, 65 Rancho Cherry Trees were planted on the half mile stretch of Roosevelt Avenue between Charles Street in Central Falls and Exchange Street in Pawtucket.
On May 1, 2009, a ceremonial tree planting was held with more than 200 guests in attendance. Presentations were made by special guests including: Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Japanese Consul General Masaru Tsuji, Mayor Moreau and Council President Benson of Central Falls, Mayor Doyle and Council President Kinch of Pawtucket, The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, The Pawtucket Foundation, Attorney General Patrick Lynch and State Representatives Crowley and Kilmartin. The event was held at the newly renovated M-Residential condominium development at 555 Roosevelt Avenue, Central Falls on the Blackstone River. Pui-O construction provided a complimentary lunch for all in attendance.
The interest in the project made way for the planting of 25 additional trees in the spring of 2010 to fill out the Pawtucket portion of the corridor. Grant funding from the Rhode Island DEM allowed volunteers from The Pawtucket Foundation, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and Channel One to clean up, weed and mulch all 90 tree wells. In addition the Pawtucket Foundation and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council partnered for form a Cherry Blossom Festival Planning Committee.
The First Annual Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival was held on May 1, 2010. More than 400 attendees participated in a 5 kilometer run/walk, May Breakfast, chocolate tasting and cherry pie bake-off. Performances by the Odaiko New England drumming group and Chinese Lion Dancers of Pawtucket entertained guests throughout the morning. More information about the festival is available at www.richerryblossomfestival.com. Stay tuned for details about next years festival.