We headed north toward New York’s famous High Line trail after climbing up two flights of stairs onto the former elevated railroad. Almost immediately, we encountered a “barefoot zone” where a misted, wet walking area helps hot urbanites cool off. Jensen, who hiked the entire mile barefoot, partook in this pleasure. How remarkable that she could walk a mile anywhere in bare feet in our nation’s largest city!
It was on this steamy hot, humid day where temperatures reached 99 degrees, that my sister, Jensen, and brother-in-la
w, Greg – long-time Manhattan residents – took us on our maiden voyage to the High Line. They were capable tour guides, well-versed in the history of the local buildings as well as the how the High Line has resulted in a safer neighborhood.
Located on Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is a one-mile landscape and art-adorned walkway along a former elevated railroad line. Since opening in 2009, it has drawn more than 20 million visitors. More than 450 public events and programs are held there each year, adding to its vitality.
An enticing combination of landscape and cityscape came into view on our stroll , including an impressive look at the Empire State Building illuminated in pink champagne-color lighting. At the same time and place, we were surrounded by rich beds of wildflowers and shady tree groves.
The trail also showcased the city’s dynamic architecture. New and old styles were practically within touching distance. At one point an illuminated picture frame had been created to frame an urban streetscape view for people seated below, part of the interactive artistic flavor of the walk.
“Not since Central Park opened in 1857 has a park reshaped New York’s thinking about public space and the city more profoundly.” – New York Times 9/20/2014
Lori and I were so taken by the High Line that we decided to walk it the following day, this time from north to south, ending at the Whitney Museum.
It was hotter and less crowded in the mid-morning hours, but no less appealing. Once again, we savored the creativity, the spirit and the beauty of this brilliant piece of urban design. We noticed different views during mid-day, such as the Hudson River to the east, and art pieces like a Native American tipi structure amid the lush plantings.
After the railroad ceased operating on this line in 1980, the High Line was headed for demolition. Fortunately, after almost 20 years of abandonment, Friends of the High Line advocated in favor of it becoming an elevated linear park. This eventually led to a “Designing the Highline” competition which drew 720 teams from 36 countries. The winning design team included Landscape architect firm James Corner Field Operations; architecture firm Diller Scofidio & Renfro; and planting designer, Piet Oudolf. It is now managed by Friends of the High Line and New York City Parks.
A field guide and handbook to the High Line (PIC) by Mark Dion eloquently describes travelling today’s High Line on foot: “Walking it is like wending through an urban canopy, a traverse that takes one into the upper story of the forest where different forms of life are visible…The High Line is a catwalk looking down on to the theatre of the street…It is a garden Belvedere with magnificent and surprising views of the city…And it fulfills the fantasy of walking down railroad tracks.” The field guide also details High Line plants, animals, facts and history. As it noted 350 species of perennial grasses grow along the High Line.
Since the High Line was established almost a decade ago, at least one other city has attempted to do a similar project, Chicago’ 2.7-mile 606 trail through the northwest part of the city. Like the High Line, the 606 trail integrates art and landscape design to create an urban oasis. We will have to try the Chicago 606 trail the next time we are in the area.
In the meantime, NYC’s High Line was definitely a highlight experience. It shows what human beings are capable of in transforming abandoned urban infrastructure into cherished, inspiring public spaces.
