🌸 Cherry Blossom Gathering at Spencer Smith Park — Remembering Loved Ones
Details
A quiet spring gathering beneath the blossoms to reflect on memories, stories, and the beauty of passing things.
Join us for a peaceful gathering beneath the cherry blossoms at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington.
Each spring, the cherry trees bloom along the lake for only a short time. In Japanese culture, this fleeting beauty reflects the idea of mono no aware — the gentle awareness of impermanence and the beauty of passing things.
The Sakura Project invites our community to pause beneath the blossoms for a simple moment of remembrance and reflection.
Some may come remembering a parent, partner, friend, mentor, or ancestor.
Others may simply enjoy the blossoms and the peaceful setting by the lake.
There is no formal program — just a shared moment of presence.
🌸 The Story Behind the Sakura Project
The Sakura Project began after the passing of Robert’s father, Aaron Kok Chew Tang (1935–2025).
During his father’s time in long-term care, Robert often spoke with him about visiting the cherry trees at Spencer Smith Park. They imagined sitting together by the lake beneath the blossoms when spring arrived.
That visit never happened.
Yet the idea remained.
The cherry trees themselves reflect Burlington’s sister-city friendship with Itabashi, Japan, where the blossoms symbolize both beauty and impermanence.
From these reflections grew a simple idea: to gather each spring beneath the blossoms and remember the people who shaped our lives.
🌸 What to Expect
• A relaxed, welcoming outdoor gathering by the lake
• Time to quietly reflect beneath the cherry blossoms
• Optional sharing of stories about loved ones
• A peaceful community atmosphere
If there is interest, we may also share a gentle impromptu danceFLOW qigong / tai chi–inspired movement experience — a simple way to breathe, move, and reflect together beneath the blossoms.
No experience is required.
You are welcome to simply come, observe, and enjoy the moment.
You may stay for a few minutes or the entire gathering.
🌸 Event Details
📍 Spencer Smith Park — Burlington, Ontario
(by the cherry trees along the lake)
🗓 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 10:30 – 11:15 AM
Hosted by Robert & Beverley — danceScape
🌸 RSVP
Please let us know if you plan to attend:
https://www.dancescape.org/sakuraproject/�
Feel free to bring a friend, a memory, or simply yourself. 🌸