Episode 24: The High Line in NYC

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore captivating topics in under 10 minutes, in clear intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live and work in New York City, and I’m a language enthusiast who has always been interested in the best ways to learn a new language. 

During the last episode, I talked about summer here in New York City, and one of the activities people enjoy is visiting parks. You might know about Central Park and some of the other famous parks, but maybe you haven’t heard of the High Line. And even if you have heard of it, the High Line is an incredible part of the city, and I’m going to tell you a little bit about the park its history and some of the effects [00:01:00] the park has had on nearby neighborhoods. 

Okay, let’s go! 

In case you haven’t visited the High Line, it’s a beautiful park in New York City that locals and tourists alike enjoy throughout the year. But especially during the summer! It’s not an ordinary park because it’s built on an old railway track, 30 feet or nine meters above the streets. This park has an interesting history, and has brought many changes to the areas around it. 

The High Line was once a railway track that was used to transport goods to, and from, Manhattan’s industrial districts. The railway, called the West Side Line, was built in the 1930s. Before the railway was built, trains ran on the streets, crossing several intersections where people walked, [00:02:00] and as a result, there were many accidents and many deaths. In fact, Tenth avenue, where this original train was located had the nickname “Death Avenue.” The elevated tracks were a solution to make the area safer and more efficient for transporting goods. 

However, by the 1980s, they use of railway declined because trucks became the preferred method for transporting goods. Parts of the railway were destroyed, and the remaining section from Gansevoort street to 34th Street was left on used and became overgrown with weeds. Many people thought the railway should be demolished completely, but others saw potential in the abandoned tracks. In the late 1990s, a group of residents formed a nonprofit organization called Friends of the High Line. [00:03:00] They wanted to turn the old railway into a public park, and after many years of planning and fundraising, their dream became a reality. 

The first section of the High Line opened in 2009, and the main section was completed in 2014. The High Line is a long narrow park that stretches 1.45 miles, or about 2.3 kilometers, along the west side of Manhattan. Because the park is about 30 feet, or nine meters, above the street, visitors have a unique view above this part of the city. 

The design of the High Line is a blend of old and new. The park preserves many elements from the old historic railway, including the tracks, which are incorporated into the landscaping. Visitors can see the old rails running through gardens filled with trees, shrubs, [00:04:00] and flowers. The landscape design was inspired by the wild plants that grew on the abandoned tracks before the park was built. 

There are many features to enjoy along the High Line. There are several benches and seating areas where people can relax and enjoy the views. Some sections also have wooden lounge chairs on wheels that can be rolled along the old train tracks. 

One of the most interesting parts of the High Line is the variety of public art installations. Artists from around the world, create sculptures murals and other works of art specifically for the High Line. These works of art change regularly, so there is always something new to see. The park also has food vendors, selling snacks, refreshments wine, and even full dinners. There are guided tours available for visitors who would like to learn about the history and the design of the park. [00:05:00] 

The High Line has had a significant impact on the neighborhood around it. The areas of Chelsea, the Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards have all seen changes since the park was built. The park has helped to revitalize these neighborhoods, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit. 

One of the biggest changes is the increase in real estate development. New buildings, including luxury apartments, hotels, and office spaces have been built near the High Line. Property values in the area have risen, and the neighborhood has become more and more desirable over the years. 

This has led to an influx of residents and businesses. The High Line has also boosted tourism in the area. Millions of people visit the park each year, bringing business to the local shops, restaurants and hotels. It’s become an important [00:06:00] destination for tourists, contributing to the overall economy of New York City. 

Another positive effect is the creation of green space in a densely populated area. The High Line provides a place for people to relax, exercise and enjoy nature without leaving the city. It’s a popular spot for walking, jogging and even birdwatching. 

However, not all of the effects have been positive. The increase in property values and new development has also led to gentrification. Long time residents and small businesses in the area have been pushed out, because they can no longer afford the higher rents. This has caused some controversy and debate about the impact of the High Line on the local area. 

The High Line while popular, certainly wasn’t the first elevated park. The Promenade [00:07:00] Plantée in Paris is considered the first elevated park in the world. It was created in 1993 on an old railway viaduct. This park stretches for 2.9 miles, or almost five kilometers, and it includes gardens, trees, and walking paths. The viaduct itself also houses shops and cafes in its arches. 

The success of the High Line has inspired other cities to create similar elevated parks on unused railway tracks. It represents a fantastic example of how innovative thinking can turn an abandoned or neglected space into a beloved landmark. And if you’re in New York, it’s something you have to visit! 

I hope you were able to understand most of the content in this episode. As , there’s a transcript available to help you with your [00:08:00] understanding. You can find a link in the episode notes. I recommend listening again with the transcript to help with anything that wasn’t clear. 

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now, wherever you listen to podcasts and let’s embark on an adventure together in clear, understandable English. 

Sincere, thanks as always for listening. 

See you soon!