by Barbara Broadbent
The High Line is a
1-mile New York City linear park built on a 1.45-mile section of the elevated former
New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line.
This elevated freight
rail line was transformed into a public park on Manhattan’s West Side, and has
been maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line, a group founded in
1999 by community residents at a time when the historic structure was under
threat of demolition.
It is essentially a
green roof on top of the railroad track, with multiple layers within the
“living roof.” The vision was for an atmosphere “less like a park and more like
scruffy wilderness.” A range of native drought-resistant plants including sumac
and hardy urban plants is used along with scabiosa ( a pincushion flower), and
Juneberry shrubs. Parts of the High Line use recirculated water, and plans are underway
to harvest rainwater from the roofs of nearby buildings.
A staircase leads to
a central promenade platform, offering views of the plantings. Ibe, a type of
Brazilian wood, was used for decks and benches. The original 20 block project
has been expanded to 30 blocks. The Park is now run by the New York City Parks
Department. Because High Line demonstrates how derelict industrial sites can be
re imagined, many other cities are exploring reusing abandoned transportation
infrastructure.
Friends of the High
Line employ youths aged 16 – 21 as part of its “Youth Corps” program. The High Line Schools Program
now offer curriculum guides for grades 2 through 7. Class visits to the High
Line are also part of the educational program.
Do visit this amazing
example of good use of obsolete space in the city, and a smart use of space and
structures. This is an ingenious way a creating leisure spaces outdoors in
overbuilt urban spaces. And, needless to say, the nearby area is abounding with
cafes, art displays, and entertainment of many kinds.
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