The High Line is a 1 mile long park running along New York City’s West Side, through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. One of the more ingenious urban redevelopments in recent times, taking over parts of the abandoned West Side Line of the City’s elevated freight railroad.
In 1999 by local residents the Friends of the High Line society formed to redevelop the run down derelict structure. After many years of bureaucracy, red tape and fundraising the first phase of the park, from Gansevoort to 20th Streets opened to the public in 2009. The second phase opened in June 2011 extending The High Line to 30th Street.
The elevated park’s greenspaces including plantings of tough, local plants meander through public performance spaces, sturdy wooden lounge chairs and beautiful views of the West Side and the Hudson River. On a bright sunny day you’re sure to find the High Line packed with other people strolling under buildings, like The Standard Hotel built straddling the park, passing up and down stairs to the Chelsea and Meatpacking streets and filling each bench to
capacity as the local residents take advantage of their very popular, public “back yard”.
Next time you’re in New York City, be sure to include a stroll along The High Line in your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.
I need to go to NYC 🙂