Continuing on from my last post, another 'must do' if your in New York City is a leisurely stroll along the fabulous 'High Line'.
The High Line is an historic elevated rail line that was used for much of the last century to carry freight above the streets of Manhattan's Lower West Side. When it was threatened with demolition in the late 1990's a group of local residents fought for it's preservation and founded the 'Friends of the High Line' who's ambition was to preserve and maintain this historic raised railway line and transform it into something new and entirely different.
But as I walked along I could see the start of what was to come; small bulbs were still flowering, forcing their way up through the hard gravel garden bed to add a splash of red, yellow and blue to the otherwise grey landscape.
The High Line is an historic elevated rail line that was used for much of the last century to carry freight above the streets of Manhattan's Lower West Side. When it was threatened with demolition in the late 1990's a group of local residents fought for it's preservation and founded the 'Friends of the High Line' who's ambition was to preserve and maintain this historic raised railway line and transform it into something new and entirely different.
What they have created is a multi-purpose public space, a park that is unique in New York City.
The walk starts (or finishes if walking from north to south) at Gansevoort Street in the lower Meatpacking District and is just a short walk from 14St subway station. I wasn't sure how long the walk would take so I got over here about 10am, grabbed a coffee.....tried to work out my east side from my west side (a compass would be great for walking in Manhattan) and set off! The picture above shows the Gansevoort St end of the High Line and it's a striking sight! I was pretty excited as I approached and you can just make out the stairs in the shadows under the structure that lead you up to the raised platform.
From my research I knew the High Line had been turned into a park and walkway but I really had no idea what to expect!
Immediately your confronted with a paved walkway that stretches off into the distance and on each side are the remnants of the High Line's past life. The rusted railway tracks and heavy wooden sleepers help to define the garden beds with shrubs and trees planted within.
Then as I looked forward to begin the walk, the path stretched off into the distance...and not just around building.....but right underneath them!
Unfortunately for me it was the beginning of April and the weather in New York was still particularly cold so spring was still in the air....and not in the gardens!
But as I walked along I could see the start of what was to come; small bulbs were still flowering, forcing their way up through the hard gravel garden bed to add a splash of red, yellow and blue to the otherwise grey landscape.
As you travel the High Line you get to gaze out over the streets of the Meatpacking District below and out over the busy port waters of the Hudson River to the west.
One of the things I really loved about the High Line was the amazing use of timber and the ingenious construction of seating areas where people can sit and relax to read a book or take in the views.
Large banquette-type seating like this would be a great place to lounge and read a book or the paper, or to catch a few rays in the afternoon sun. And below, bench seating has been created where people can sit to watch movies and documentaries projected onto the wall opposite. This is a great use of space, and the park is not only a walkway but also a space for art exhibits, performance art and other public activities.
The High Line even incorporates it's own amphitheater where wanderers can sit and take in the view of Tenth Avenue stretching off into the north through Chelsea and on towards Hell's Kitchen!
A lot of the building that line the structure have been there for many years and the slightly decrepit and worn facades only add to the beauty and interest of the surroundings. Other building are used as giant canvases for works of art to advertise art gallery events and exhibitions....you certainly won't see a Coke sign painted on a wall here!
As the tracks curve and meander along the walkway you forget as you gaze at the buildings that border the High Line are the homes and offices of people who live and work with the constant parade of people looking in their windows. I'm sure this could be quite disconcerting, however one very clever resident got their own back on 'gawkers' with a very clever and strategically place art work.
It's almost as if he has said 'boo' as he caught you staring at him as he got out of the shower.....and you feel slightly guilty.....but only for a second as you realise the joke is on you!! Very clever.
And before you know it you've strolled above 18 streets from Gansevoort Street to West 30th Street and come to the end of the line. A leisurely stroll that takes about 45 minutes with time to take photos and enjoy the view.
During the spring the High Line is open from 7am to 10pm and there are a number of access points along the route, some with elevator access so the High Line is completely wheelchair accessible.
The third section of the High Line, pictured above, extends from West 30th to West 34th Streets and has yet to be completed. The 'Friends of the High Line' work with the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, and raise 90% of the funds needed annually to help preserve and maintain the park.
Check out their website at www.thehighline.org
So if you happen to find yourself in Manhattan take a stroll above the streets and enjoy a bit of peace and tranquility in this truly unique 'park in the sky'.
