The High Line Park is an innovative use of old infrastructure to create something that is both new and unique. The park is situated on an elevated section of the old disused West Side Line railroad in Chelsea, New York. It features beautiful views over the city below and has been turned into a wonderful green space among the busy hubbub of the Big Apple.

High Line Park History

  • When was the rail line established?
    • The rail line was born in 1847 when the City of New York approved railroad tracks at street level along Manhattan's West Side for freight shipping.
  • Who were the "West Side Cowboys"?
    • The West Side Cowboys were hired men on horseback who rode ahead of trains waving flags as a safety measure to warn pedestrians and other road users.
  • Why was Tenth Avenue called "Death Avenue"?
    • Due to frequent train accidents on Tenth Avenue, the area was nicknamed "Death Avenue".
  • What was the West Side Improvement Project?
    • Approved in 1929, the West Side Improvement Project was led by Robert Moses to address the hazards of street-level railroad crossings.
    • The project included the construction of the 13-mile West Side Elevated Highway to bypass the dangerous railroad crossings.
  • Why did the railroad decline?
    • The railroad declined in the 1950s due to the rise of the interstate trucking industry.
    • The southern section of the line was demolished in 1960 due to lack of use, and the remaining track was left abandoned.
  • What is Friends of the High Line?
    • Friends of the High Line is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by Robert Hammond and Joshua David to repurpose and preserve the abandoned rail line as a public space.
  • Who opposed the High Line's demolition?
    • Friends of the High Line opposed Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s proposed demolition and worked to turn the space into a green public park.
  • How did photography play a role in preserving the High Line?
    • Photographer Joel Sternfeld’s images of the wild flora along the abandoned tracks were used in public meetings and fundraising efforts.
    • These images helped raise $150 million in support of the project.
  • What is High Line Park?
    • High Line Park is an urban green space built on the former railroad tracks, offering visitors a scenic public park with lush greenery.
    • Learn more about visiting the park here.
  • When was the High Line project officially approved?
    • On June 13th, 2005, the U.S. Federal Surface Transportation Board issued a certificate of interim trail use for the project.
  • When did construction on the High Line begin?
    • Mayor Michael Bloomberg officiated the groundbreaking ceremony on April 10th, 2006, marking the start of construction.
  • How did the High Line impact the Chelsea neighborhood?
    • Many believe the recycled railway played a key role in the revitalization of the Chelsea area.
    • Since the park opened, the neighborhood has experienced increased investment and new construction projects, transforming it from a gritty area into a bustling urban hub.
  • How has the High Line influenced other cities?
    • Seeing the success of the High Line, many other cities have explored repurposing old or abandoned railroad infrastructure to create new urban spaces.
    • The project has served as a model for turning unused infrastructure into vibrant public spaces.

High Line Park Attractions

You can walk the High Line and enjoy the 120 species of wild flowers growing in and amongst the walkways. During the summer, pop-up events and live performances litter the walkways, and all year round it plays host to various art and cultural displays. Restaurants, bars, and eateries punctuate the 11 entrances to the park. Whatever your plan, you can stroll along this historic rail line and always arrive at a new destination.

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