Going to New York City this spring? If you haven’t been to High Line Park, it should definitely been on your list of things to do. It is a fun activity for all ages on a beautiful day.

I’m always surprised at how many people have not heard of High Line Park. It is an unique 1.5 mile linear park along an elevated abandoned freight railroad line on the west side of Manhattan.

As you walk along what has been dubbed the urbanite’s playground, you will experience beautiful views of the city, wild flowers, greenery galore, and interactive outdoor art.

The artists who present there find creative ways to engage with the uniqueness of the history, design and surrounding neighborhood of the High Line. One time we went we were surprised to have the toilets talk, and I promise you, what they had to say was absolutely hilarious! A lot of the art is large and can’t be missed,

but look closely because you might miss some of the most precious, almost hidden gifts.

And be sure to enjoy the interaction…

The last railroad car to come through was in 1980. In 1999, some of the residents of the Highline neighborhood rallied to save this strip of railroad and created a nonprofit to turn it into a city park. After a decade of working with the city to create and implement a plan for the park, it opened in 2009. They offer tours, both public and private, if you want to hear more about New York City’s park in the sky.

The park is wheelchair accessible.

Heads

Sustainability is taken seriously at High Line Park. The landscaping includes mostly indigenous plants that would grow there naturally. The plants are not only native, but also are drought –tolerant and low-maintenance, which cuts down on the resources that go into the landscape. There are multiple “microclimates” because of the varied conditions where there is light, shade, exposure, and wind.

Tails
Plan to eat lunch in one of the nearby restaurants and make an afternoon of it. There are lots of places to eat or just rest for a bit with a cup of coffee.