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High Line Park, New York
2024-01-29
New York Opens Second Section of Elevated High Line Park
At what was once a decaying stretch of elevated freight tracks in the lower west side of Manhattan there is now a beautiful park that draws visitors from all around the world.
The High Line is a 1-mile (1.6 km) public park built 30 feet above the streets of New York on 1930s-era elevated freight rail line. The opening of the second section doubles the length of the public park. Traveling mid-block between 10th and 11th Avenues, the new section provides a new kind of urban experience, carrying visitors in close proximity to historic buildings and warehouses, and introducing unique views of the cityscape and architectural landmarks, including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the New Yorker Hotel.
Like the first section of the High Line, the design of the new section is inspired by the wild, self-seeded landscape that grew up naturally on the High Line when the trains stopped running in 1980.
The design retains the original railroad tracks from the industrial structure and restored steel elements including the High Line's signature Art-Deco railings.
An integrated system of concrete pathways, seating areas and special architectural features blend with lush lawns and naturalistic planting areas to create a singular landscape that is fully wheelchair accessible via elevators.
The recycling of the railway into an urban park has spurred real estate development in the neighborhoods which lie along the line. The opening of the third section is on the way.
Source Environment News Service
