Friday, June 17, 2011

High Line: About the Park

The High Line is a public park built on an abandon elevated rail structure. It features an integrated landscape, designed by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The High Line is being built in three phases. Each phase is to be opened within two years of the last starting from the southern end. Section 1, spanning from Gansevoort Street to West 20^th Street, was opened on June 9, 2009. Section 2, spanning between West 20^th and West 30^th Streets, opened June 8, 2011. The third and last phase above West 30^th around the West Side Rail Yards is owned by a separate entity. Development now depends upon plans being discussed by the state-run MTA and its related companies. At this point it is uncertain whether the third phase will be restructuring or demolition.

The mile-and-a-half-long elevated park combines meandering concrete pathways and naturalistic plantings, with fixed benches, movable metal seating, and wooden lounge chairs. The park is equipped with lighting so that it can remain open at night.

The High Line is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily and can be accessed every two to three blocks.