New York City’s Newest Urban Park Opens
When I moved to New York City 10 years ago, the Meatpacking District was a sketchy, marginal neighborhood frequented by prostitutes and drug users.
Today, it’s a neighborhood populated by trendy, expensive boutiques, name-dropper restaurants, and some of the city’s edgiest, most exciting architecture.
It’s also the location of New York City’s newest park: the High Line.
So named because the park is built atop an abandoned rail line that was originally constructed in the 1930s, the High Line was an urban eyesore from 1980 until this summer, when a 10 year old dream of the Friends of the High Line was finally realized.
Back in 1999, the city had slated the elevated rail for demolition. But some folks didn’t want to see this part of New York City history destroyed, and they effectively rallied to turn the space into an ambitious and unique urban park. Construction began in 2006 and the first part of what will be a mile and a half long park opened last month.
1. The wood used on the benches and decking was harvested from a managed forest certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. It was selected for its longevity and durability.
2. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of these seats at sunset, you’re all but guaranteed a spectacular light show on the Hudson River.
3. This IS an urban park, after all. These benches offer a view of a New York City street, but insulate park visitors from car noise.
4. Most of the plants and grasses on the High Line are native species, “inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after the trains stopped running.”
5. The popularity of the High Line has attracted all sorts of new businesses to the neighborhood, including Van Leeuwen, which scoops up artisanal ice cream. They’re “green,” too: their cups, spoons, and straws are all made from corn husks.
6. View of the Meatpacking District from the High Line, now attracting the less criminal element.
All photos by Francisco Collazo.
Community Connection:
Planning a visit to New York City? Be sure to consult our Green Guide to New York City first!
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7 Comments... join the discussion!
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Scott- Thanks for your comment. I think we’ll see more and more activities organized on and around the High Line– love that Times article about the impromptu concerts– total NYC moment!
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I read this in a magazine somewhere. It’s an amazing concept. I think those wooden benches are guaranteed make out session spots.
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“Today, it’s a neighborhood populated by trendy, expensive boutiques, name-dropper restaurants, and some of the city’s edgiest, most exciting architecture.”
The same can be said of anywhere in New York. It’s kind of sad how few areas are left that aren’t completely clean and trendy.
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i guess the days of sneaking through the chain link fence and tromping through the weeds, debris and broken bottles along the abandoned high line are over. sigh… while it was a super cool spot to explore when it was defunct, this looks pretty nice too.
alfred, if you’ve got the gentrification/trendication blues, this article may make you smile: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2009/07/15/2009-07-15_hordes_of_hobos_set_up_shop_in_williamsburg_punks_invade_neighborhood.html
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an interesting read! those wooden benches are excellent!i think i must visit this park!thanks,lovely post!
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It looks really nice. Though it looks like it might be a little hard to relax with all of the people.
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