The High Line, NYC

As promised, here are some pictures John took of The High line in New York City last month.

The High Line is a park built on a former elevated freight rail line in the Meat Packing District on Manhattan's West Side.  Used to bring milk, meat, baking supplies and other goods into the city, it was called the "Lifeline of New York" when first established in the 1930's.

As rail traffic declined, the southernmost section was demolished and the remaining portion was left to go to seed.  In 1999 two neighborhood residents Robert Hammond and Joshua David founded the Friends of the High Line.  Taking 12 years, it is now a truly inner-city/above-the-city space, full of native plants and terrific walking/strolling/hiking for New Yorkers and visitors.


Here's the map of the High Line showing how it stretches from the corner of Gansevoort and Washington Streets in the Meat Packing District to 30th Street.

 

One of the many beautiful places to stop and chat or rest along the Line with panoramic views of the city scape.



Based upon a self-seeded landscape, the High Line contains a woodland, grassland, meadow and many planters highlighting native plants. 



There are several large seating areas along the High Line for people to gather. 
Bikes are not allowed, nor are roller blades.



Talk about walking among the tree tops! 
How about walking among the skyscrapers!


This makes me think of The Curious Garden by Peter Brown about a garden on an abandoned rail line that is found by a young boy who tends it and the garden grows and grows across the city until the whole city becomes a lush park.  John said the folks at The High Line said the book was not about the project, but I find that hard to believe!

Penny