Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
14. The High Line
The High Line is a unique public green space that stretches along 1.45 miles (2.3km) of what
was a section of the elevated New York Central Railroad. This aerial green-way is the result
of a national decrease in rail traffic. The line was all but abandoned in the 1990s and was
soon taken over by an assortment of weeds, flowers, and trees.
Locals soon started to visit this little 'reclaimed by nature' park, and enjoy spending time
amongst the hardy trees and shrubbery that transformed a once neglected railway line into a
vibrant retreat. In 1999, despite being under threat of being demolished, a not-for-profit or-
ganization was formed in order to advocate for the preservation of the track, and to express
the wish to recycle it into an elevated public park.
Using Paris' similar Promenade Plantée as an example of how this would work, the group's
plans started to gain popularity. In 2004, the city of New York pledged a significant budget
toward the development of the park.
