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The High Line: New York City’s Park in the Sky

Strolling along the High Line is one of my absolute favorite things to do in New York City.

Don’t know what this is?  Well, let me tell you.

The High Line is a park created on an elevated train bed on the west side of Manhattan between 12th and 30th streets.

 

It was slated to be torn down, but two guys (Joshua David and Richard Hammond)  met at a community meeting and decided to tackle the project of saving it.  Their saga is truly fascinating.

Their vision in the words of Josh David about his early interest, “I felt what I think is the spark of most people’s interest in the High Line: Wouldn’t it be cool to walk around up there, twenty two city blocks, on this old, elevated thing, on this relic of another time, in this hidden place, up in the air?”

 It is cool and after a long struggle, it opened two and a half years ago.  To read more of the history about the High Line, click here.  Only the first section was open when I wrote this blog post.

Last week I had the chance to stroll not only that part of the High Line, but also the extension, which opened last summer.

 It is terrific. It just keeps getting better.  And there is more on the way.  The third and final section is yet to be completed.  Stay tuned. When it opens, I’ll go back.  Here’s a photo of where the  High Line currently ends.  Exciting things are happening here.

 The newly opened  section includes a lawn, more terrific views of the city and of the East River, some sculpture and innovative architecture, views of every day life in NYC, wild but carefully planned landscaping and a lovely way to enjoy a beautiful day in the Big Apple.

Other destinations in this part of town are the Gallery District between 10th and 11th Avenues, shopping in the Meatpacking district,   The Chelsea Market and the Standard Hotel for lunch or drinks.

I’d also like to mention a new book about the High Line called “High Line The Inside Story of New York City’s Park in the Sky” by Joshua David and Robert Hammond.  If you want to learn about how this all came about, I highly recommend this book.

Do visit the High Line if you get to NYC.   In the words of Robert Hammond, “Some people think of parks as being an escape from the city, but the High Line works because it never takes you away from New York.”

It is a a memorable to to enjoy the city and a great walk  in the park. You won’t be sorry.

 

 

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

9 Comments
  1. posted by
    Peggydepersia
    Dec 14, 2011 Reply

    Definitely on my list of ‘must experience’ when next in NYC. Have wanted to take ‘that walk’ since I started reading about the park’s conception and development. Thanks for the update.

  2. posted by
    New York City: Constantly Changing | DesignDestinations
    Dec 16, 2011 Reply

    […] I see  a hint of the crazy, funky fun old days  here and there  and it is a great spot to Power Shop …..but mostly I understand the sometimes nutty, very creative  folks have moved to Chelsea and  the Meatpacking District near the High Line… […]

  3. posted by
    Kdernocoeur
    Dec 18, 2011 Reply

    Makes me want to get back to NYC…it’s been awhile!

  4. posted by
    West Village: Birthplace of Cool | DesignDestinations
    Jun 18, 2012 Reply

    […] a stroll.  Others to enjoy an afternoon nap in the sun.  If you don’t know what that is, click here and here for two posts  on DesignDestinations about this fabulous park in the sky on the west side […]

  5. posted by
    Highline: A Walk in the Park | DesignDestinations
    Jun 23, 2014 Reply

    […] Well, it is a long narrow park created out of an old elevated railroad track.  To read more about the Highine click on Head up to the Highline  or The Highline: New York City’s Park in the Sky.  […]

  6. posted by
    The High Line in New York | DesignDestinations
    Nov 17, 2016 Reply

    […] THE HIGH LINE: NEW YORK CITY’S PARK IN THE SKY […]

  7. posted by
    High Line New York 2018 | DesignDestinations
    Jul 2, 2018 Reply

    […] This blog post describes that beginning stage.  To see photos of the early days look at this and other blog posts on DesignDestinations.  […]

  8. posted by
    Why I love New York | DesignDestinations
    Feb 4, 2019 Reply

    […] Mostly I love New York because I get a sense that dreams come true in New York. People come to make it in theater, business, whatever.  Probably most interesting to me recently is the story of the High Line. […]

  9. posted by
    Hudson Yards–New York's Billionaire Playground | DesignDestinations
    Jan 13, 2020 Reply

    […] The High Line: New York City’s Park in the Sky […]

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