The High Line

June 30, 9:37 PMManhattan ExaminerCaroline Schley

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View of the Hudson River from High Line Park

Attention New Yorkers: If you haven’t seen High Line Park be sure to make time during the upcoming holiday weekend! 

A Bit of History:  After years of anticipation the first section of High Line Park opened on June 9^th, 2009.  The park is situated on the 1930’s elevated rail line that was used for transporting heavy industrial cargo in the days when the meatpacking district was known for warehouse manufacturing and not trendy restaurants.  The rail line was used for carrying port cargo and industrial supplies until the 1980’s.  After freight traffic was discontinued the High Line began to fall into a state of disrepair and 10^th Avenue residents and business owners lobbied for the track to be demolished. 

However, some neighborhood residents believed the High Line represented an important era in the industrial history of NYC and petitioned for its preservation as a public space.  Eventually these efforts, put forth mostly by a nonprofit group called Friends of the High Line, succeeded.  In 2002 the City of New York created budget funding to attempt a purchase of the rail line and in 2005 the City bought the property and declared in a protected space.

After nearly 5 years of construction the High Line opened as a public park and a monument to the greatness of New York City.  The carefully planted gardens showcase native New York botanicals.  The original rail line tracks are visible through much of the promenade.  The park looks out over a busy mingling of historically protected buildings from the early 20^th century and modern, vibrant Chelsea storefronts and homes.  You can see the old-fashioned cobblestone of Little West 12^th and the busy length of 14^th Street in the same glance.  The view of the Hudson River is breath taking.  Simply put, at every step you will find something to impress yourself with.  It is an absolute “Must Do”. 

Hours:  High Line Park is usually open from 7 AM to 10 PM but will have limited access on Saturday, July 4^th 2009 and will close at 3 PM on that day due to expected crowds and neighborhood events for the Hudson River fireworks. 

Access Points: 

Gansevoort Street and 10^th Ave

14^th Street and 10^th Ave

16^th Street and 10^th Ave

18^th Street between 10^th and 11th

20^th Street between 10^th and 11^th

Public Transport to the High Line:  L, A, C, E trains to 14^th Street and 8^th Ave.

For More Information:  http://www.thehighline.org/

Check out Articles on Other NYC Parks:

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