More Cherry Trees Bloom in Newark’s Branch Brook Park Than in D.C.
Every year, Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin attracts thousands of visitors drawn by its famed cherry blossoms. However, a lesser-known, but larger collection of cherry trees can be found in Newark, New Jersey’s Branch Brook Park.
While the allure of D.C.’s cherry blossoms is undeniable, reporter and New Yorker Jeff Lunden discovered a closer and more expansive display in Newark. For urbanites like Lunden, reaching Branch Brook Park is a breeze via Newark’s light rail, leading visitors into a serene urban retreat.
The park is adorned with a stunning array of white and pink blossoms, capturing the attention of photographers and videographers alike. “My name’s Perry Concepcion, and I’m from Livingston, New Jersey,” said one visitor. “Today, I decided to come to Branch Brook Park because I worked all weekend. I’m a server and a bartender. And so is my friend Jen over here.”
Thomas B. Dougherty Jr., president of the Branch Brook Park Alliance, shared, “We have over 5,300 Japanese flower and cherry blossom trees in 18 varieties.” This nonprofit organization collaborates with Essex County to maintain the park’s 360 acres. “We have the largest and most diverse collection in the United States in a concentrated area,” Dougherty added.
Since the 1970s, the park has hosted an annual cherry blossom festival every April. This tradition began as a means to rejuvenate the community following the civil unrest in Newark during the 1960s. “The Parks Commission was looking for ways to galvanize the community in this park to celebrate the cherry blossoms in bloom and embracing all walks of life to come together in the joy and the renewal of spring,” Dougherty explained.
The park’s cherry blossoms trace back to the 1920s when a department store owner, inspired by a trip to Japan, donated the first 2,000 trees. “In 1927, she came back and made an offer to the Parks Commission that they just couldn’t refuse,” Dougherty recounted.
During spring break, families from New Jersey and New York flock to the park. Sharon Sozio, visiting from Staten Island with her family, mentioned, “We came here to check out the cherry blossoms. My kids love the cherry blossoms.” Although it was their first visit, they discovered the park through TikTok, where videos showcasing its beauty have become popular.
For some, visiting Branch Brook Park has become a cherished tradition. Ashley and Trevor Post, for example, had one of their first dates here and now return annually to celebrate Ashley’s birthday. “A lot of our springtime has revolved around cherry blossoms,” Trevor shared. “We actually got engaged at the cherry blossoms down in D.C. a couple of years ago. So it’s nice to do and something that she loves, so make sure to do it for her every year.”
If a trip to Newark isn’t feasible, videos of the park’s cherry blossoms can be enjoyed on TikTok, offering a glimpse of this hidden gem.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
