The High Line.
With sixty degree temperatures in mid-November, there was no excuse not to hit the streets this weekend. Or should I say “the tracks?”
As a girl with an ever-present country mouse-city mouse inner juxtaposition, I love nothing more than finding the same juxtaposition in the city I love.
I found it at the end of Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District at the High Line.
The High Line stands 30 feet above street level, a former train track that was built in the 1930’s, but shut down in 1980 after the boom of interstate trucking.
The High Line was intended to raise the dangerous freight traffic off the street that, at the time, was causing such horrible accidents they began to call it “Death Avenue.” It served its purpose well, but in the mid-80’s, years after the last train rolled through, folks began to lobby for the High Line to be torn down.
It wasn’t until 1999, with the foundation of “Friends of the High Line,” that the High Line was turned into, and maintained as a park. Friends of the High Line works not only to maintain and preserve the park, but also raises funds to complete its construction.
I spent a sunny afternoon with a girlfriend strolling along the old tracks, chatting and taking photos, watching couples walk hand-in-hand, listening to the foreign languages spoken on the tongues of tourists passing us by, and admiring the beauty of the foliage against the backdrop of industrial history.
There is a great spot along the line with wooden lounge chairs to stop and sit in the sun, as well as a theater with a view of the street to watch traffic and passers-by. Benches line the Line for those who wish to stop and soak up the day or people-watch.
The park is open each day from 7 am until 10 pm. For more information about the High Line’s history, directions or information about Friends of the High Line, visit their web site.
