Chelsea High Line is an elevated park, greenway and rail trail located in New York City, USA. It runs from the Hudson River to the West Side Highway, along the West Side of Manhattan. The High Line was built in the 1930s as an elevated railway line to transport goods to and from the Meatpacking District. In the early 2000s, a group of local residents and business owners joined forces to save the railway from demolition and create a park instead. Since its opening in 2009, the High Line has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
History of the Chelsea High Line
The High Line was built in the 1930s as an elevated railway line to transport goods to and from the Meatpacking District. The railway was a crucial part of the city’s transportation network and served as an important link between the Meatpacking District and the rest of Manhattan. The railway went out of service in 1980, and by the early 2000s, the railway had fallen into disrepair. In 2004, a group of local residents and business owners formed the non-profit Friends of the High Line to save the railway from demolition and create a public park instead.
Design and Features
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long park that stretches from the Hudson River to the West Side Highway. It is designed to blend into the urban environment, with plantings that reflect the area’s history and native species. The park also features artwork, seating areas, and special events throughout the year. The High Line is divided into three sections: the Northern Spur, the Spur, and the Southern Spur.
Northern Spur
The Northern Spur runs from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street. It features a variety of native and exotic plants, as well as art installations, seating areas, and special events. The Northern Spur is also home to the Chelsea Market, a food hall and shopping destination.
Spur
The Spur runs from West 20th Street to West 30th Street. This section of the High Line is the most heavily landscaped, with a variety of native and exotic plants. The Spur also features seating areas, art installations, and special events.
Southern Spur
The Southern Spur runs from West 30th Street to the West Side Highway. This section of the High Line features art installations, seating areas, and special events. The Southern Spur also has a variety of native and exotic plants.
Amenities
The High Line offers a variety of amenities, including:
- Public restrooms
- Water fountains
- Bike racks
- Public art installations
- Seating areas
- Food vendors
- Special events
The High Line is open year-round and is free to the public. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and has become an iconic part of New York City.
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