Located in the heart of Manhattan’s lower west side, the High Line has become one of the most popular park-gardens in New York City. This unique park is the restoration of a 1.45 mile section of the former elevated New York Central Railroad West Side Line. Inspired by Paris’ Promenade Plantee, this aerial greenway currently extends from Gansevoort Street to 30th Street.
Through collaborative efforts started in 1999, Friends of the High Line successfully preserved and transformed this extraordinary public space. Owned by the City of New York, The High Line is maintained by the non-profit High Line Conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. With Phase 1 and Phase 2, opened in 2009 and 2011 respectively, the Friends of the High Line are actively working toward the third and final section, which would run between West 30th and West 34th Streets.
The restoration began with removal of everything down to the steel and concrete structure, in order to safely accommodate the public. The public space blends plant life (inspired by the self-seeded landscape that once grew on the abandoned track) with long walking paths, a water feature, viewing platforms, a sundeck, and gathering areas for performances, art exhibitions and educational programs. The majority of the plant species in the design of Section 1 are native to New York.
Join Tom Smarr, Director of Horticulture at the High Line, for an insider’s view of the High Line’s sustainable design elements such as the re-purposing of industrial infrastructure as public green space; the green roof design function that uses porous pathways to allow stormwater to irrigate adjacent planting beds, and the use of native plants to enhance habitat value and contribute to urban habitat corridors. Tom will explain the ecological management practices and will discuss High Line successes and challenges. This tour, scheduled for Saturday, October 19 from 9 – 11 in New York (rain or shine) is sponsored by the Ecological Landscaping Association and costs $20 for ELA members, $25 for nonmembers. For more information email ela.info@comcast.net. Advance registration is required.
