By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — In a few years and with a little cooperation from Mother Nature, spring will herald “cherry blossom time” here in Pawtucket and neighboring Central Falls.

Thanks to private funding efforts, some 60 cherry trees are being planted along the industrial mill area of Roosevelt Avenue that spans the two communities.
The cherry tree planting was initiated and financed by Louis Yip and Sunny Ng of Tai-O Corporation of Central Falls and Pui-O Corporation of Pawtucket. The Pawtucket Foundation, the city of Pawtucket, the city of Central Falls and the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council are leading the project, with the intent to beautify the old manufacturing district along Roosevelt Avenue that now includes living and office spaces.
Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle noted, “The city is extremely proud of the partnerships that we have established with our business community leaders. The planting of the cherry trees will enhance the downtown and hopefully inspire further 'greening' of the city.”
Central Falls Mayor Charles Moreau said, “Roosevelt Avenue is a gateway to both Central Falls and Pawtucket. I cannot think of a better way to showcase the redevelopment of this area than with the beauty of cherry blossoms. These trees symbolize the new life being brought to mills that were once abandoned.”
The planting going on now represents the first phase of a multi-year plan. The first of 60 cherry trees will line the east side of Roosevelt Avenue from Charles Street in Central Falls to Exchange Street in Pawtucket.
The Pawtucket Foundation has also established a private sector fund for the continuation of the plantings in the city. In addition, Collette Vacations has pledged $10,000 for cherry trees to be planted along Roosevelt Avenue and the Blackstone River.
Thomas Mann, Executive Director of The Pawtucket Foundation, who is chair of the Cherry Tree Committee, said, “The cherry tree initiative is exciting because it represents a true joint venture between the public and private sectors. When the project is complete, it will transform an historic riverfront mill corridor into an exciting pedestrian-oriented attraction.”
Mann continued, “Over the past eight years, the cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls have successfully encouraged the redevelopment of abandoned mills and historic properties. As abandoned buildings are now re-purposed into thriving alternative uses, we hope to create a place that will have a positive self-image and economic advantage.”
Mann said that an opening ceremony for the cherry tree project is being planned for later this month.
Robert Billington, president of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, said, “The cherry trees, once they become mature, will become a new natural attraction along Roosevelt Avenue blooming adjacent to the historic mill buildings that line the Blackstone River.” He added that these plantings will become “Rhode Island's version of the annual cherry blossom festival” held each year in Washington, D.C.
According to Billington, both Louis Yip and Sunny Ng have been raising additional private funds from businesses in Central Falls and Pawtucket that want to contribute to the cherry tree project.
In addition, Emily Sorgel, director of Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful, is working with Pawtucket and Central Falls officials to create programs that enhance their respective landscapes. She is also in the process of developing a program where members of the community can sponsor a cherry tree as a memorial to a friend or loved one.