Not Your Average Walk In The Park

Do you enjoy “taking in” the nature and landscaping of the places you travel to? Do you take pleasure in capturing wonderful aerial views of the city? What about being a voyeur into the hustle and bustle lifestyles of the locals? Well, do you know what’s better than a park?… an ELEVATED park (say what?) that is situated high above the city streets beneath it!

You may be asking yourself, “How can a park actually be located above a city?” Well, here’s your answer… it is what is called the High Line in New York City. This is an historic structure that was once under threat of destruction. The High Line was converted into a preservation project, to be maintained as an elevated, public park. Pretty cool, huh?!

Back in the mid 1800’s New York City authorized street-level railroad tracks on the west side of Manhattan. Eventually that area became known as “Death Avenue” because of the accidents that were occurring. Nearly a century later, an above ground track system was created which allowed for manufactured goods to come and go through the city without causing street-level traffic and fatalities. Years later, rail traffic began to dwindle due to an increase in interstate trucking. A portion of the High Line was demolished, and eventually trains ceased to run on the above ground tracks. In 1999, the High Line’s preservation and reuse was being advocated. Around 2006 groundbreaking took place, which was the beginning of a facelift to convert the High Line into a public park.

Now, what is known as an elevated park continues for a mile and includes naturalized plantings, picturesque views of the Hudson River, and a glimpse of the city it hovers over. You’ll find joggers, bikers, readers, lunch-goers, photo takers, tourists, locals… just about anyone and everyone taking full advantage of one of New York City’s unique “must-see sites”. The moment you step foot on this landmark you’ll notice that everything seems to slow down compared to the energy of the city beneath. You’ll be peering down on a whimsical frenzy below as you bask in the calm and quiet of a world that floats high in the sky. So, next time you’re in the “Big Apple” make a point to check out this strangely situated site!