High Line at the Rail Yards

On March 31, 2015November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Parks, Playgrounds, Promenades, Site FurnitureLeave a comment

On a recent March weekend while visiting New York City, I had the opportunity to walk the newest section of the High Line that opened last September. This half-mile long segment wraps around a large storage yard for commuter trains, between West 30th and West 34th Streets, with a nice view of the Hudson River along part of its length. The final 1/3 mile of this new phase is currently open as an interim walkway, to be completed once the neighboring Hudson Yards mixed-use development is built on a platform over the train yard.

One can now walk the entire 1.5-mile length of this former freight train trestle. It’s become a very popular place for both locals and visitors, with a steady stream of walkers even on the cool and windy day when I was there. The High Line ranks as one of my favorite urban parks, with a creative design that incorporates many references to its historic railway usage. I also enjoy the numerous interesting views of the city from 30 feet above the streets.

Be sure to check out my other two blog posts on this terrific linear park: Up on the High Line and The High Line, Section 2.

The Grasslands Grove features a variety of “peel-up” furnishings, including benches, a picnic table, a see-saw rocker, and a chime feature for children. This signature style of site amenity can be seen along many parts of the High Line.

Stacked seating borders the section that parallels West 30th Street, near a new building that is under construction to the north. The landscape near the High Line in this area will be changing over the next few years as tall buildings transform the low-lying rail yards site.

The high line’s original rail tracks are exposed and now function as walkways in three places along the route, referencing the park’s former use. Aggregate bonded with an adhesive was installed between the ties, creating a very firm and level surface, accessible to wheelchairs.

A row of benches flanks the 11th Avenue “Bridge” (to the left of the photo), a section of walkway that arches somewhat above the surrounding surfaces. The rail yards can be seen to the right.

The Pershing Square Beams: A children’s play area featuring an exposed portion of the High Line’s original framework, and also including entertaining elements such as periscopes and a “gopher hole”. In the warmer months, perennial plantings sprout up in the spaces between some of the beams.

The interim walkway includes the original tracks with self-seeded plants (as the High Line had appeared for many years after the trains stopped running in 1980). It becomes a lush green linear meadow during the warmer seasons. The walkway portion is surfaced with bonded aggregate, flush with the intersecting rail lines. The High Line curves to the right to run parallel with the Hudson River in the distance.

Large stacked timbers serve as seating at this section of the interim walkway, somewhat reminiscent of oversized railroad ties.

The interim walkway slopes down to its terminus at West 34th Street.

Photos by Alice Webb

Public Art in Outdoor Spaces, Part II

On December 29, 2013November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Public Art2 Comments

I’ve encountered a variety of interesting art pieces in landscape settings ranging from urban to natural. Some are in parks and nature preserves, others are along city streets and alleys, and a few are in small town centers. Some integrate visually and thematically with their surroundings, and others stand alone. Below are a few favorites.

Cut-outs in a small panel (viewed through a scope) on New York City’s High Line transform this view of buildings into abstract shapes.

More art on the High Line: A modernistic wire structure with houses and seed/fruit trays for birds and insects seems to represent the intersection of city and nature, as does much of the High Line. A similar structure faces the opposite direction on the other side of the walkway.

These transparent facial profiles at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, Massachusetts, appear to symbolize the connection between people and nature.

Juxtaposition of “natural” and built forms – Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University in East Lansing

Painted optical illusion in New Haven, Connecticut, by Felice Varini – this shape is only visible when one stands at a specific point. As one progresses further down the alley, it no longer appears as four circles within a square.

Sculpture composed of various types of stone in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Granite sculpture in Eastport, Maine – a town whose principal industry is commercial fishing

Bas-relief piece in CityGarden – a sculpture park in St. Louis, Missouri

A deep discussion taking place in Montreal, Quebec

Colorful bench in Belfast, Maine

Whimsical piece in the Olson Family Garden at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Photos by Alice Webb

Site Furniture with Flair

On October 24, 2012November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Site Furniture2 Comments

Outdoor benches need not be ordinary – I’m often searching for one-of-a-kind seats, which seem to be a rarity among a profusion of manufactured site furnishings. Below are a few examples of unique seating opportunities that I’ve encountered on my treks through parks, gardens, and along urban streets.

“Talk tube” benches flank the entrance to Marla Dorrel Park, Cary, NC. These were created by an artist.

One of many “peel-up” benches on the High Line in New York City

A protruding slab of stone in this wall serves nicely as a bench. It’s located at Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA.

Here is a series of curved benches at West Podium Park in Boston. Note that the width of each bench narrows from one end to the other.

Artist-created fish bench in Eastport Park, Boston

Clever melding of bench with building at South Boston Maritime Park

The following photos are of semi-permanent benches and chairs in downtown Belfast, Maine. Each was designed and built by an artist or craftsperson as part of the town’s “Please be Seated” project. They are bolted to the pavement and kept in place for part of one year (June through October). These are some of the 2012 installations.

“Isn’t it Grand” bench

“Birch Perch” bench

“Buoy-oh-Buoy” bench

“Elemental Earth” bench

“Adirondack Red Magnum” chair (made from slats of a wine barrel)

“Catch a Wave” bench

“The Nest” seat

Photos by Alice Webb

The High Line, Section 2

On March 30, 2012November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Parks, Plants1 Comment

In mid-March I visited the second phase of New York City’s High Line Park, which opened last year. This ½-mile section is as delightful as the first part, with some of the same themes carried throughout, but also containing some unique and exciting features. My favorite area is the Fly-Over, where the walkway rises to eight feet above the high line surface. From this level, one travels through the canopies of trees planted below, and one can peer down to the view the various plantings on the “forest floor”. The Fly-Over also includes several viewing spurs, including one that overlooks 26th Street.

The photos below will give you a tour of this elevated linear park from the 30th Street terminus to 20th Street, where the first phase of the High Line connects with the second section. Enjoy your walk!

Radial seating flanks the curved, northern end of the High Line, Section 2

The Wild Flower Field along the northern section before spring cut-back

The elevated Fly-Over takes people through the tree canopies

One of several viewing spurs along the Fly-Over

View of the “forest floor” from the Fly-Over

Another “forest floor” view with railroad tracks – a reminder of the High Line’s history

People relax on the 26th Avenue viewing spur. The metal frame is a reference to the billboards that used to be mounted along the High Line – Now it frames the city scene or the people on the spur, depending on one’s vantage point.

A shifting section of walkway, “peel-up” bench, and restored Art Deco railing – recurring elements along the High Line

Stairs lead down to 23rd Street, with the elevated Lawn in the background. From the northern section of the Lawn, one can look down either direction of 23rd Street and see both the Hudson and East Rivers. Metal strips in the pavement refer to the High Line’s former use as a rail line.

Cor-Ten steel planters near the 23rd Street stairs

The Lawn – a rare treat in this dense city environment. When this photo was taken, the Lawn was still closed off for the winter.

Seating steps at the south end of the Lawn, constructed of reclaimed teak

The Chelsea Thicket near the south end of Section 2 – A Winter Hazel is in bloom in the foreground.

Photos by Alice Webb

Up on the High Line

On December 10, 2010November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Parks3 Comments

New York City’s High Line Park is situated on a former elevated freight railroad that was in operation from 1934 until 1980, on the west side of Manhattan. I’d been wanting to visit this distinctive park since it opened in 2009, and finally had the opportunity to do so this October. The next phase of the High Line is scheduled to open in 2011.

The High Line Park was designed by the landscape architecture firm of James Corner Field Operations. Although it is a linear park, it’s not one whose purpose is to get from Point A to Point B. Its walking surface isn’t laid out in a direct line; it instead shifts left and right, and is punctuated with islands of plantings and a diversity of areas for viewing and sitting. The design compels you to slow down and invites you to linger. From this park which is 30 feet above street level, you can take in views of the Hudson River and the variety of buildings and streetscapes of the up-and-coming Meatpacking District. You can also just enjoy the immediate surroundings of the uniquely-designed High Line itself.

The design of this park echoes the history of the High Line in several respects. Train tracks cut through the planters and walkways. Historic Art Deco railings have been retained and renovated along some of the park’s edges. In addition, the choice of plantings reflects the self-seeded landscape that dominated the rail line after trains ceased using it.

Other interesting features include custom linear concrete pavers that separate and narrow as they blend into plant beds; benches that appear to lift up from the walkways; and an area with amphitheater-type seating oriented toward a street view. Buildings also straddle the park in three locations.

I would like to return to the High Line during other seasons, to observe the wide variety of plants when they’re in bloom, and to do some more photography. I’m also looking forward to visiting the second phase. Walking this park is truly a delightful and unique experience, which is definitely worth repeating!