The High Line

9/20/2011

When opportunity calls, you need to take it. Yesterday when a friend called for an impromptu visit to New York City, I just couldn't say no. She is an amazing treasure trove of information regarding all things especially when it comes to gardens. She was researching a new project that had recently been unveiled along the west side of Manhattan. The High Line was a freight line that was built back in 1929 when interestingly enough, too many accidents were occurring between trains and street traffic. Rather than let 10th Avenue maintain it's nickname of "Death Avenue", city planners created this overhead train-line that would travel thirteen miles. It would serve it's purpose for sometime until train service needs fizzled and the weeds began to grow. It began to look much like an abandoned Chernobyl as nature overcame man. Then in 1999, two locals who perhaps were inspired by the greenery growing within the steel girders, rethought this area. The High Line was slated to be demolished unfortunately, but preservation efforts prevailed and the project came into being. The steel work throughout is intricate but somehow blends in well with the grittiness of the meat packing district of New York. The project progressed with the mindset that this would become a self sustaining green-way for all New Yorkers to enjoy. Clearly, they succeeded. As one walks up the stairway , you're greeted by a birds-eye view of Manhattan. With no stop lights or cross walks, one navigates this pedestrian wonderland uninhibited by the rush below. The path is dotted by kids, seniors, students, tourist, and workers on lunch break all walking blissfully. Many of them could be overheard speaking proudly of their new urban playground. Once again, NY ingenuity at it's best had prevailed despite the odds. The green-way is not designed for hard exercise, it's designed to get frantic New Yorkers to slow down. While a butterfly flutters from milkweed to other flowers, honey bees travel busy routes through yellow and purple perennials. The miracle here is how gracefully the vegetation grows in and around steel and concrete. A perfect balance is struck between the right amount of room for people and greenery. Descending the stairs back to 10th Avenue, anyone could notice how the vacation had suddenly ended. The concrete jungle would surround you once again and the pace would pick up. This is a new must see location born out of the imaginations of fellow New Yorkers who have a modern vision for an aging city. I applaud the efforts to those that make things happen despite the odds against them. New Yorkers, you should be proud.