The High Line, New York City

I was in NewYork City for a Conference. During my stay there, I visited the High Line. 

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The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It is owned by the City of New York, and maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line. Founded in 1999 by community residents, Friends of the High Line fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. It is now the non-profit conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to make sure the High Line is maintained as an extraordinary public space for all visitors to enjoy. In addition to overseeing maintenance, operations, and public programming for the park, Friends of the High Line works to raise the essential private funds to support more than 90 percent of the park’s annual operating budget, and to advocate for the preservation and transformation of the High Line at the Rail Yards, the third and final section of the historic structure, which runs between West 30th and West 34th Streets.

This was how it looked like in the old days. A formally elevated railway 30 feet above the city's West Side that was built in 1934 for freight trains hauling dairy products, produce and meats.

View from a high rise building

Access points from street level will be located every two to three blocks. Many of these access points will include elevators, and all will include stairs.

 

The dis-used railway track is still left intact, and nicely landscaped with various kinds of plants.

The High Line has many benches and rest areas for visitors to enjoy the scene or stop for rest or refreshments.

 

One of the street views from the High Line  

Certain parts of the High Line has provision made for small group activities. Keeps the buzz and vibrancy on the High Line.

And don't be surpise to find a performance or two if you are lucky.

Certainly well worth the visit !

History of the High Line:

The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district.

1934

The High Line opens to trains. It runs from 34th Street to St. John’s Park Terminal, at Spring Street in the Meatpacking District,. It is designed to go through the center of blocks, rather than over the avenue, to avoid creating the negative conditions associated with elevated subways. It connects directly to factories and warehouses, allowing trains to roll right inside buildings. Milk, meat, produce, and raw and manufactured goods come and go without causing street-level traffic.

1950s

Growth of interstate trucking leads to a drop in rail traffic, nationally and on the High Line.

1960s

The southernmost section of the High Line is demolished.

1980

The last train runs on the High Line pulling three carloads of frozen turkeys.

Mid-1980s

A group of property owners lobbies for demolition of the entire structure. Members of this group own land under the High Line that was purchased at prices reflecting the High Line's easement. Peter Obletz, a Chelsea resident, activist, and railroad enthusiast, challenges demolition efforts in court and tries to re-establish rail service on the Line.

1999

Friends of the High Line is founded by Joshua David and Robert Hammond, residents of the High Line neighborhood, to advocate for the High Line's preservation and reuse as public open space.