Thursday, June 18, 2009

The High Line visit

Over the weekend, I took a visit to The High Line and I was pretty impressed. Though there was a huge line to get in (to be expected in NY), it moved quickly, and the concept was well executed. The old railroad tracks were left intact throughout the park:


and local seeds were used for the plantings, ensuring a "wild" feel that is true to the area, much like the train tracks.


The elevated path runs below the new Standard Hotel:


Perhaps my favorite feature was the chaise lounge chairs, which are equipped with wheels that run on the old track lines. Because of the wheels, you can move the chairs along the track to the location you want, allowing you to group chairs according to the size of your group. A good location for laying in the sun:


Every detail has been thought out so no part of the park looks boring. Even the benches are unique:

Here's a view of the street from one spot of the park:


Below is a picture of the "The River That Flows Both Ways," a glass "mural" created by artist Spencer Finch at the area where the High Line cuts through the Chelsea Market. The colors of the panes of glass are inspired by the colors of the Hudson River (insert joke about the dirty river here):


The concrete blends with and balances the landscape:


An observation deck, where viewers can look down upon the street below, brings people watching to a whole new level:

More cool benches:


And beautiful flowers:


Signs warn people to "Keep it wild, keep on the path":

The view of the Hudson:


And the surrounding area:


All in all a good trip. I'll have to go back and take more pictures when it's less crowded.

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