The High Line Park, New York City

What should be done to abandoned 1930s elevated freight train tracks in a former industrial area on the West side of Manhattan? Turn it into a public park modeled after Paris' Promenade Plantée and name it the High Line! In 1999, neighborhood residents Robert Hammond and Joshua David created the community group called "Friends of the High Line" to advocate for the idea. The group was instrumental in the promotion, fundraising, and for future preservation of the project. (all photos will enlarge when clicked on)

The High Line is property of the City of New York and is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks & Recreation. It is located on Manhattan's West Side and will eventually run from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues. Section 1 of the High Line, which opened to the public on June 9, 2009, runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street. When all sections are complete, the High Line will be a mile-and-a-half-long elevated park, running through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen.

It features an integrated landscape, designed by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofifio and Renfro, and combines meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings.

Fixed and movable seating, lighting, and special features are also included in the park which is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Access points from street level, by stairs and some with elevators, are located every two to three blocks. The large building above is The Standard, a new hotel that bridges the High Line.

Some views from the High Line of what was once the Meat Packing District of Manhattan. Many of the former warehouses and slaughterhouses were converted into chic boutiques and restaurants.

There are approximately 210 species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees on the complete section of the High Line. They were chosen for their hardiness and diversity of bloom time. Many of the species that originally grew on the High Line's rail bed are incorporated into the park landscape to retain a natural effect.

A pretty view of the Hudson River and a section of New Jersey from the High Line.

An artist was doing a plein-air painting of a view of the High Line.

Another view of the Hudson River and some visitors enjoying their lunches in the shade under the walk-through of the Chelsea Market building. Many stores inside the Chelsea Market are now selling packaged picnic lunches, especially for the High Line visitors.

The railroad tracks are very visible in the area that passes through the Chelsea Market.

Looking down a section of the elevated tracks called the Northern Spur that is not part of the walkway. You can see the variety of natural plantings that look very much like those that covered the tracks when they were left unused for over 25 years.

A view of the top Empire State Building behind a Chelsea neighborhood building.

A view of the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex which is a 28-acre waterfront sports village located between 17th and 23rd Streets along Manhattan's Hudson River. Situated on Piers 59, 60, 61, and 62 and in the head house that connects them, the Complex features the following sports and entertainment venues such as golf, a sky rink, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, baseball, dance, rock climbing, martial arts, hockey, figure skating, plus a health club and spa.

A unique residential building with both Hudson River and High Line views!

A close-up of the top of the Empire state building. Wave to the people on the observation deck!

Another perspective with more views of the different types of housing in the area.

The walkway fades into a rail tie design in some areas with different varieties of grass and flowers growing in the spaces between. The original art Deco style railing in this area is about waist high.

A movie is being filmed nearby, as this street was full of trailers used to house actors and crew, and equipment.

Looking down at Tenth Avenue

This section of the High Line has amphitheater-type rows of bench seating.

The seats drop down below the deck and look through a jumbo glass window right up the middle of Tenth Avenue.

Another view of people walking on the High Line and more shots of the fauna and flora.

Since opening in June 2009, crowds have been dense as many New Yorkers and tourists are curious to see the new park and enjoy the views. The current rules for the High Line are no dog walking, no bicycles, no jogging, no skates or skateboards, and no scooters or drinking of alcohol, which all will help to keep it purely pedestrian and safe. After years of seeing this railway from below, it was a novelty to view it from above, and I found it a pleasant place to stroll and people-watch as well as enjoy the scenery.

Much of the High Line is still an active construction site. While Section 1 of the High Line is open to the public, Section 2, between 20th Street to 30th Street, is currently under construction. Section 2 is projected to open in 2010. The park will eventually extend from Gansevoort Street north to 30th Street where the elevated tracks turn west around the Hudson Yards development project to the Javits Convention Center on 34th Street.

It is proving to be a popular new attraction in the area and definitely worth a visit!

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