Visiting the High Line
The High Line, which began as a quirky idea for an urban park, has morphed into one of New York City’s tourist attractions, a 1.5 mile long greenway with over 500 species of plants and trees. It’s touted as a stunning example of a creative repurposing of unwanted infrastructure– in this case, elevated train tracks that were slated for demolition. The story of how the park came to be is fascinating, and the amount of effort, ingenuity, dedication, and money it took for its creation is head-spinning. https://www.thehighline.org/history/
Initially a lovely oasis in a busy city, the park became a victim of its own success, often so popular it was more crowded than the city streets below. But in the newest twist, the High Line is almost empty at present, a perfect spot to spend some outdoor time during this pandemic. Currently the park is open during week days and with timed entry (via reservation) on weekends. https://www.thehighline.org/visit/
I enjoyed the park on two recent occasions. With the timed entry limiting the number of people, we had the park almost to ourselves It was late fall, and so the colors of the flora were muted, but the vibrant art, an exhibit displayed along the walkway entitled En Plein Air, more than compensated.
Art as you go
This untitled artwork, four ceramic archways, was my favorite. Created by Sam Falls, the ceramic structures are supported by steel tracks taken from the original railway. Each arch is dedicated to a different season: The artist collected plants from the High Line for over a year and embedded them in the ceramic.
Another interesting sculpture is Sister of the Road by Lana Schnitger.
Views looking out
I love the views from the High Line as well.
Many murals are visible from the High Line, among them Mother Teresa and Gandhi in conversation, Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo, and an intent seamstress.
also fun to see familiar streets from the slightly different vantage point: [3531]. This one [3536], of a new park going in along the Hudson river, has trees and foliage propped up on strange-looking cement bases.
It’s also fun to see familiar streets from the slightly different vantage point. This one, of a new park going in along the Hudson river, has trees and foliage propped up on strange-looking cement bases.
