High Line Park, NYC

High Line Park, New York City

New York City's coolest new attraction is High Line Park.  The free park, located in the heart of Manhattan's up-and-coming meat-packing district, is a whole new take on public space.  High Line Park is built upon an abandoned elevated rail line.  The High Line sat as an unused eyesore since 1980, when it was last used as a freight rail.  Mayor Giuliani tried to have the tracks demolished in the 1990's.   However, a movement began in the early 2000s to recreate the tracks as a public space.  High Line Park was finally opened to the public in the summer of 2009.  This first phase ran from 20th Street to Gansevoort Street.  Once the second phase is complete in Spring 2011,  High Line Park will stretch all the way to 30th Street.   The park is an unique place to take a break from the bustle of the city while offering birds-eye view of the neighborhood.  It's no wonder that National Geographic dubbed High Line "The Miracle Above Manhattan."  

What to Expect

I was lucky enough to be given a tour of High Line Park from a friend who has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years.  He offered an insightful perspective about the park; he was excited that the tracks were being used and that the neighborhood was being improved.  However, he was also a bit sad that the old world character of the area was being replaced by trendy shops and apartments.

High Line Park Phase 1

We entered the park from the stairs off of Gansevoort Street.  High Line is a combination of city, modern art, and an English garden.  There is ample room to walk on stone pathways that are bordered by plants, trees, and wild grasses.  True to the original rail line, High Line Park passes through the middle of some buildings, which in the past were factory stops for the trains.  Park designers purposely kept many portions of the original tracks intact and also chose to plant grasses and reeds that were native to the line it's years of neglect.  It should take only take you 15-20 minutes to walk the length of the first phase of the park, but you will probably want to stay longer.  There are wooden benches built throughout the park to relax and you never know who you might see.  On our first visit to High Line, we spotted Oscar winner Tilda Swinton strolling through the park.  Even celebrities want to check out Manhattan's newest wonder!

Just the Basics

Rail lines still visible in High Line Park

• Location: Manhattan's West Side, running from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street.  It is possible to access the park using stairs from at Gansevoort Street, 18th Street, and 20th Street. 
• Cost:  Free! 
• Advice: Use your time at the park as a chance to relax, rather than another destination to check off of your list.  
• Concessions: Sold at the Chelsea Market Passage.