High Line Park, New York, NY

High Line Park is a jewel of Manhattan's West Side. Named after the railroad line built in the 1930s to lift freight traffic from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district, High Line Park seamlessly blends concrete pathways with nature. Shrubs, grasses, trees, wildflowers and other foliage are set against the backdrop of the city's landscape.

This elevated urban park will span a mile-and-a-half above the city's sidewalks and streets when completed. The greenway will run through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell's Kitchen.

Integrated Landscape

The rail platforms are transformed into an urban oasis with walkways meandering through self-seeded gardens and cutting through structures like the Chelsea Market building, converted into a public art space. From the park's only lawn, visitors can relax on benches or take in crosstown views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. There are open spaces to picnic and play. Students can learn about history, nature and landscape design through High Line's educational programs. The park also features a green roof system that reduces stormwater runoff.

Section 1 of the High Line runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, and opened to the public in June 2009. Section 2 will run from 20th Street to 30th Street, and will open in 2010.

For more information about the High Line, please visit www.thehighline.org.