Urban renewal sometimes does some great things. In a city where we abhor gentrification, the High Line is a welcome addition to the landscape and shows that a decaying piece of history can be reborn into something new for all to enjoy.
Coming here recently I had my reservations as to what was to be expected of this project as I had read some of the snarky reviews on Yelp and other websites, but kept an open mind as I ascended the stairs to this overhead park in the sky. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed my visit here. With the addition of the 2nd stage this place is huge and you can walk for many blocks taking in the sights and foliage. Now, they are planning to expand it further to a 3rd stage which will complete the project and offer more space to meander about.
From my observations –
Plenty of foliage to see. Is it a major botanical garden? No. But they have done a great job with the space they had to work with. Well maintained and thought out.
Nice walkways set up. Yes, it’s a bit narrow at times, but again it is based on limited space to work with.
Lots of benches, and nooks and crannies to veer off the path and sit or take pictures. Great seating area by the public lawn, the bench – like seating through the looking glass area by 10th Ave, and the wooden lounge chairs by the sundeck and water feature are just a few of the spots to kick back and enjoy the sun, breeze, and sights.
Great views from all around. City streets, cool building architecture, Hudson River, hustle and bustle down below. Art installations also are featured. Each year they seem to have new seasonal eateries set up close by to fulfill those hunger pangs and quench your thirst after a day of walking around. This year it is “Terrior At The Porch” which is a wine bar and open air cafe’. Please visit this page to see a complete listing of food and drink options along The High Line – http://www.thehighline.org/about/high-line-food
Yes, it gets crowded on weekends. Better to visit this park when it first opens during early morning, or on a weekday when most people are at work. If you don’t mind a leisurely slow placed walk as I did it will not bother you. If you are the type that hates crowds, and needs to move quickly, then you will not enjoy it. Nice weather weekends are a mob scene here.
There are spots to grab a snack along the paths. Picked up a terrific People’s Pop by the Chelsea Market Passage, on the High Line near West 16th Street. They also have shaved ice. There is also a Gelato stand there. Water fountains and restrooms have also been placed along the park.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The weather was perfect when I was here. It seemed like the whole city was here. Sun on my face. Nice breeze out. Good way to enjoy a lazy Sunday. Is the High Line for everyone? No. There are those who will be bored and hate it. There are some that just can’t see the beauty of it. But for those who are looking for a little something different to do it is a welcome reprieve to the concrete jungle that we live in on a daily basis.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-high-line-new-york#hrid:TfDvkqpGLIKGl-dUvWAc2A/src:self
Love it! Who knew there was such a place??
Hi Susie!
It’s a nice change of pace and something unique that the city came up with to utilize the old above ground train line that was no longer used.
I think that it’s fantastic that people are working to create more green spaces and “people centric” nooks and crannies. I’ve noticed some of that going on in Chicago, too, the last time I was in town.
Hey Kitt!
In the concrete jungle it is a nice place to take a deep breath and wander about. They did a very nice job utilizing all these old rail tracks. It’s good to see cities doing this.
Great post Phil! I always bike the NYC Greenway and have never walked the Highline, but your pictures and writeup have sold me!
Hi Ryan!
Thanks for reading and commenting. It’s much appreciated. Glad you approve. Check out the High Line during off hours first, such as early morning with a cup of coffee when few people are there yet. I’m sure this weekend will be crazy crowded if the weather is nice enough.
Oh wow! Looks amazing. I suppose I am lucky – Johannesburg is like a city in a forest.
Hey Lanthie!
It’s like a small piece of the country inside of the concrete jungle we live in here!
What a great idea. If I lived there I’d definitely take advantage of that . I bet the views are amazing.
Hi Karen!
There are so many good views and different things to see along it. Many picture takers here too with all the foliage. It is a cool idea.
WOW! That is SO freakin’ cool! I would love to hang out in a place like that! Great photos, Phil!
Hey Terrye!
It’s a great spot to take a walk on a nice day before the crowds get in. Weekdays in the morning are the best. Tranquil and picturesque.
Totally agree. I love the high line. But I have only been on a weekday. Staying away on weekends is a good tip.
Hey Jill!
Good to see that you have been there. Yes, weekdays are the best time. Have a great weekend!
What a great idea! There are always people that complain about everything, myself included at times 🙂 This looks like it would be nice during the week though when it wasn’t crowded. The crowds wouldn’t bother me too much though, I spent time abroad in London studying and everything is always crowded everywhere!
Hey Foodie!
Since you are used to crowds you might like the High Line then. As you can see from my pics it does get a bit crowded, but they have done such a good job with it that it’s worth a visit or two to walk around and explore.
This is awesome! I wish we had something like that in San Francisco. Would totally hit that up on a lazy Sunday.
xoxo,
Jules of Canines & Couture
http://www.caninesandcouture.com
Hey Jules!
It’s a cool spot top relax and if you can score one of those wooden lounge chairs you have a view of the water. Plus, some actually roll along the old train tracks up there!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Very interesting, I’ve never heard of this place. Is it new? Everyone in the pictures seem to be enjoying themselves there. By the way, thanks for the guest post tweet. 🙂
Hey Susana!
It’s been around a few years now. Such a great concept and way to utilize an old structure to make a green park.
A nice walk but can get way crowded now on weekends.
Recycling at its best. Your right that it’s probably not for everyone, but those it is for will enjoy its beauty. I love the whole concept. Please tell you you installed a No Pajama Bottoms sign while you were strolling though….
Hey Lisa!
It is a cool concept for a park and great use of a forgotten structure.
Those wearing pajama bottoms will be thrown off the side down onto the street! 🙂
This is excellent. I wish towns, cities, et al, would adopt the same policy of creating more ‘green-people-friendly’ areas. The natural plants clean the air and make people feel better.
So many places around the world are just cold, concrete, glass and steel.
Kudos to NYC for creating a great example others should follow.
Hi John!
It would be nice if more “concrete city” type spots put aside space for these types of projects. They are expanding it roo so it’s a really unique park.
I think the design of the High Line is amazing, but so does everyone else! I’ve only been there maybe twice and it was so packed I couldn’t really enjoy it. Probably going during the week or when the weather isn’t ideal would be better. Perhaps on a rainy day, like today? I am hoping the newness will wear off eventually, but that’s doubtful since even the tourists are finding it now. 🙂
Hey Tracey!
True – it’s no hidden secret that’s for sure! It’s always crowded on weekends it seems. Tourists like it too. Go on weekday early morning when everyone is headed to work to enjoy a walk on it.
It was pouring rain when I visited Phil. Have to say I thought it was fantastic.
A visionary use of an existing space, & a magnificent addition to a magnificent city.
Cheers, ic
Hey Ian!
It’s such a great concept that more cities should try and duplicate. Instead of tearing down and destroying we should focus on using these structures to make new beauty and green spaces.
Thanks for reading.