The High Line Park is one of the city’s newest parks. A partnership between The Friends of The High Line and the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation. The uniqueness that sets it apart from other parks, it’s on an elevated platform. A concrete and steel byway originally used as a freight train overpass.
The fifteen-year difference between the photographs above and below show the drastic change not only of The High Line—but the neighborhoods that surround it. In 1999, its demolition was the main topics of conversation in City Hall. One of Mayor Giuliani’s last acts was signing off on that demolition. It was saved by those who realized the benefits in converting the abandoned derelict eyesore into a park.
If you’ve read a few of my previous newsletters, you know I gravitate to neighborhoods with gritty, post industrial vibes. This one happens to be a strip of an elevated structure 1.45 miles long.
Tap any photo for larger size
A major point of interest added to High Line Park, was the 10th Avenue overlook. A multi-level seating area at 17th Street.
My last visit to the park was in November 2019. Months before citywide pandemic closures. With eight million visitors a year on average, I think the best times to go without crowding are mornings after opening—or days of inclement weather.
Though it doesn’t command the high visitor count of Central Park (42 million), its popularity among city parks places it among the top five. Classic Bryant Park and Prospect Park rate high on that list. Highly rated newer parks include Brooklyn Bridge Park & Domino Park. The city has about 1,700 parks. Some operated in partnerships with state and national recreation agencies.
Vacant lots and buildings that abutted the freight train overpass for decades have all been gobbled up by developers who’ve built—and continue to build luxury apartments, condos, hotels and amenities.
The largest development along the High Line is Hudson Yards, a $25 Billion (USD) project. Shown here during the early days of construction.
For more on the High Line history, see this documentary
I’ve more to show about High Line Park, but will leave it here for now so you can enjoy these photographs and video.
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Til next time…
Cheers
I walked this park in 2023. The gardens are beautiful. You need to revisit with color film! I love the way it integrates with the abutting structures and enhances, but doesn't ioverwhelm , the neighborhoods it passes through. It was a wonderful surprise to find during our city wandering.
Thanks for sharing these photos and video. Good work.
Every time I get up to NYC, I have to go and walk along at least part of the High Line. The last time I was there, in May 2023, it was on a lightly rainy, foggy day and there were very few other people. On a regular sunny day, it's usually packed, especially on the weekends. It's a really special place and I'm so glad that it was preserved in this way.