I’m a fan of almost any and every park, so long as its not used as a garbage dump/junkie rest stop. New York City’s High Line Park is one that I’ve been quite excited about for some time. Open to the public for the first time today, High Line Park is essentially a green roof running along what up until recently was abandoned elevated railroad lines. In lieu of tearing down the structure, which spans more than several city blocks, the city decided to make it into a park…and what a cool park it is!
While it’s no Central Park where you can throw frisbees, drink beer, and let your dog run around (rules of the park can be found here), it is a really cool and unique use of what otherwise would have landed in a landfill a great expense, both financial and environmental. From the High Line’s website:
“The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s, to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s streets. Section 1 of the High Line will soon open as a public park, owned by the City of New York and operated under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Friends of the High Line is the conservancy charged with raising private funds for the park and overseeing its maintenance and operations, pursuant to an agreement with the Parks Department.
When all sections are complete, the High Line will be a mile-and-a-half-long elevated park, running through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen. It features an integrated landscape, designed by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, combining meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings. Fixed and movable seating, lighting, and special features are also included in the park.”
Well, the day has arrived. Enjoy, you lucky New York bastards.
High Line Park Before
High Line Park After
The Good: It’s a great unique natural break in the heart of Manhattan. A well designed park that will provide habitat for species of birds and insects. Prevented tons of material from ending up in a landfill. IT’S AN ELEVATED PARK IN THE HEART OF MANHATTAN!
The Bad: There are some rules to follow that don’t normally apply to parks. I don’t live in New York
The Bottom-Line: How can you hate something so cool for so many reasons. Dog people…you’ll get over the restrictions.
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