Throughout high school, I always saw what looked like the 7 train in Chelsea Manhattan. As visible as this place was, I never bothered to go check it out. I was always curious to know why many people would take time to go up the stairs and take pictures of what looked like a train rail from the bottom. After doing research on the place I wanted to visit in New York, I decided to kill my curiosity and go visit “The High Line”, also known as, “ New York’s Park in the Sky.”
On Friday, I made my commute to “The High Line”. I was excited to see what the big deal was and finally feel some real spring weather. Of course, before visiting, I made sure what I was getting myself into.
“The High Line” is located on the west side of Manhattan and it runs from 14th street all the way through 34th street. Before this big infrastructure in the 1930’s, the railroad tracks ran down the west side waterfront taking goods to factories warehouses. The trains were dangerous and it was always crowded causing many accidents. It was so dangerous that 10th avenue was known as “ the death avenue.” When the High line was build in the 1930’s, trains would run through factory warehouse buildings carrying meat to the meatpacking industry. Now, what we know it as, “The Chelsea Market”. As years passed by, the use of railroads decreased and the High Line was taken over by nature. Since no one used it anymore, layers of soil build up and as years passed, the wilderness took over. Flowers, grass, sunflowers, trees, etc. were beginning to grow on the tracks. Many nearby property owners wanted to take down the High Line because of the waste of space it was taking up. As a result, in 1999, two residents, Robert Hammond and Joshua David started a non-profit group called “Friends of the High Line” in hopes of saving the High Line. After years of fighting, they managed to start the project and save a special place in New York’s history.
As I entered through the 14th street entrance I was amazed at how many people there were. I was not expecting to see so many people walking around and taking selfies with the amazing views the High line had to offer, but it made sense because of how nice the weather was. The first thing I noticed as I began to walk, was the floor. It reminded me a lot of a beach boardwalk but fancier. There were many trees near the entrance and although the trees were leafless it still had its unique presence that attracted tourists. There were many benches for pedestrians to sit and enjoy the moment with their families. After walking for about 10 minutes, I hit a construction site near one of the entrances on 23rd street. Many tourists were amazed at how the construction workers drilled a piece of metal through the concrete floor, they enjoyed the scene, laughing and conversing with random strangers that they ignored the real reason they came to the High Line.
There were also many people trying to hustle and sell their artwork and other stuff to the people that would walk by near them. In fact, one kid stopped me to buy candy off him. I gladly helped him with two dollars and continued on with the walk. I started thinking about how smart these people are coming to a place like the High Line and sell their stuff to tourist who are most likely to buy their stuff than an actual New Yorker.
As I continued my journey, I began to notice pieces of train rails in the middle of the
“boardwalk.” It was nice and engaging to think that there was once a train that passed through there roughly 88 years ago. Despite there being signs that prevented us from entering or touching the tracks, I acknowledged the ancient piece of artwork with my eyes. Continuing my walk, it impressed me how close the High Line was too nearby buildings. Many of them were apartments, it looked as if you can reach your hand out and touch it. It was so close that you could have jumped from the High Line to one of the apartments patio. Near there, one of the staff members were watering the grass that was slowly growing green.
When I got to the end the High Line, I was pleased with what I experienced. I definitely think it was worth the trip and worth the walk. I got to kill my curiosity and enjoy one of the many amazing places New York has to offer. I would really encourage you to go visit!
i always found the Highline to be a very interesting place too. From the art to the location and view as well. i only been there twice but it was very comforting. the walk seems short when you’re there but you start walking down and it just gets longer and longer. i agree with you on the train track aspect as well. for it to be a train track and end up being a very artful place is crazy. The very history of it leads people to go to it too.
I have been to the highlife many times before and I enjoy it every since time. The walk through it can be very calming and the artwork displayed around it is a beautiful sight to see. I would love to go visit it agin soon.
Derick, I really appreciated the fact that you combined a description of your visit to the Highline with information about its history. I have been there many times, but didn’t know all of the information that you included in your report! You do a nice job of describing your experience and capturing some of the mood of your trip there, and your pictures further enliven your post. I did notice several grammatical and punctuation errors that detract somewhat from the positive impression of your post. Remember to take the time to check your work carefully and make corrections before posting!
JS
Hey Derick! I have never been to the Highline before, but as described by your trip report it sounds like an interesting place to visit, not only the Highline but the neighborhood too. I am looking forward to visiting during the summer.