The High Line, NYC

Another New York favorite!

 It doesn't happen often that something obsolete like the elevated rail lines in the West side of New York City, become a super cool public park, instead of just getting rid of them.

The High Line, as the rails are now called, is an elevated park that goes from Gansevoort Street, in the West Village, to W 30th Street (an extension from W 30th to W 34th is being rebuilt), covering a distance of over a mile.

Crossing the now hip Meatpacking District and Chelsea, the park is a great place to hang out in any season, with seating space and excellent views over Manhattan's streets and other landmarks (like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty), an entrance to the Chelsea Market, the foodies paradise, it's a cool spot to visit in NYC.

The history of the High Line dates back to the 19th Century, around 1847, when the railroad was constructed at street level. After many accidents, the City finally approved the construction of an elevated railway, so in 1934, trains started going through the High Line, carrying merchandise and manufactured goods to and from the West Side factories and warehouses (like the Nabisco plant, which is now the Chelsea Market).

Between the 1950's and 1980's, the High Line becomes obsolete due to the drop in rail traffic and some parts are eventually demolished. It remains abandoned until 1999, when a group of Chelsea residents present the idea of refurbishing the High Line for public use. After a series of studies and projects, and the donations of the High Line to the City, reconstruction begins in 2006, extending until 2009, when the First Section of the High Line opens to the public, followed by Section 2 in 2011 and will also be followed by the Third Section in the coming years.

The Association Friends of the High Line is the non-profit, private partner to the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. It works to build and maintain the High Line and aims to protect the whole structure,and inspiring new ways of thinking about the city, parks, public space, preservation, and community. They provide virtually all of the High Line’s annual operating budget and are responsible for the maintenance of the park. If you are interested in making a donation, you can visit their website at this link.

The High Line
http://www.thehighline.org/
Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
(fully wheelchair accessible)

Entrances at:
- Gansevoort Street
- 14th Street (elevator access)
- West 16th Street (elevator access)
- West 18th Street
- West 20th Street
- 23rd Street (elevator access) - currently out of order
- West 26th Street
- West 28th Street
- West 30th Street (elevator access)