Today I got a chance to visit the recently-opened the High Line in lower Manhattan, which was a nice treat. Running for about 20 blocks from Gansevort Street in the West Village up the westside of Manhattan, the High Line park rises a couple of stories above the city streets, built upon elevated train tracks constructed in 1934. Now a modernist greenspace, the High Line designers James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro kept some of the original rail tracks and indigenous plants, adding minimalist benches, railings and concrete pathways.
I found it a bit cold and controlled for my tastes. Although there are plenty of signs that say "Keep It Wild," there isn't much that is wild about the High Line. No bikes, dogs, performers, vendors, skaters, or ugly people are allowed on the High Line. (Okay, maybe not that last part.)
Still, the High Line adds a lot to the neighborhood, and certainly looks like a great spot to meet friends for lunch, read a book or just contemplate the ever-changing city around us. I'll definitely be back.
More of my pics in my Flickr set.