yesterday we FINALLY went to the highline and i think the coolest part about it is the images of the cross sections.  how they handle the filtration in an enclosed, elevated area is kind of incredible.

The final phase in the High Line’s transition to a public park is the construction of the park landscape. The High Line’s pathways, created from a series of smooth, tapered concrete planks, are laid into place above the lower layer of waterproofed concrete, leaving space in between for drainage and electrical conduits. 

In many places, the High Line’s railroad tracks are returned to their original locations, integrated into the planting beds. Seating elements include the park’s signature “peel-up” benches and riverview sundeck chaise lounges. 

Construction of stairs and elevators allow visitors to access the High Line from street level. In some locations, beams are removed from the structure to allow stairs to rise up from the sidewalk, cutting through the center of the High Line structure and allowing visitors to come face-to-face with the steel beams and girders on their way up. 

Energy-efficient LED lighting elements, integrated into the High Line’s railings, illuminate the park’s pathways at night. Lights are placed below eye level on the pathways, to create a safe condition for walking, while allowing the eyes to adjust to the ambient light of the surrounding city sky. Lights are also installed between the beams on the underside of the High Line, to gently illuminate the sidewalk below. 

Soil is delivered and distributed to the planting areas on the High Line. Plants, which have been selected from nurseries up and down the East Coast, are planted by the High Line’s team of horticulturists to match the plans created by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations and planting designer Piet Oudolf. Read more about the Planting Design