In 2009, the First Piece of N.Y.C.’s High Line Park Opened to the Public. Nearly 20 Years Later, the Final Section Is About to Debut

The High Line park in New York City is on the brink of a significant development, preparing to open its 34th Street Garden to the public for the first time this November. This momentous occasion marks the completion of the entire park, a project that has transformed a once-abandoned elevated railway into a thriving urban oasis.

Originally opened in 2009 from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, the High Line has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past 17 years. This green space, situated 30 feet above street level, has consistently drawn both locals and tourists seeking an escape from the frenetic pace of the city below. With a reported six million visitors each year, the High Line has well-established itself as one of Manhattan’s key attractions.

The forthcoming 34th Street Garden, referred to as the Rail Yard Reserve, will present a completely redesigned entrance, which has been a focal point during its construction. Richard Hayden, the park’s senior director of horticulture, expressed his excitement about the upcoming unveiling, stating, “When the 34th Street Garden opens, the entire High Line will be open and there will not be a construction shed anywhere on it for the first time in anybody’s memory.”

As the new garden prepares to welcome guests, visitors will encounter an inviting entrance at street level. After a year of construction, the area has received new paving, enhanced garden beds, and updated signage that will help orient tourists. According to Hayden, the goal was to create an entrance experience that matched the High Line’s global reputation and the expectations of its visitors.

The 34th Street Garden spans an impressive 2,561 square feet and will showcase 2,000 perennials, which represent the park’s only in-ground plantings. This differs significantly from other sections of the High Line, where plants are rooted just 18 inches deep due to the unique structure of the park. Renowned garden designer Piet Oudolf stated that the new entrance “invites you to come in,” highlighting its importance in the overall visitor experience.

Once known as the West Side Elevated Line, the railway originally served as a vital transport route, beginning operations in 1933 and playing a key role in delivering meat, dairy, and produce throughout the city. However, by the 1960s, the switch to truck transport diminished the need for rail services, leading to calls for the demolition of the High Line. By the 1980s, much of the structure had fallen into disuse, with sections being dismantled.

A pivotal change occurred in the early 2000s when CSX Transportation transferred ownership of the rail line to New York City. This marked the beginning of the High Line’s transformation into the public park it has become today, with construction commencing in 2006.

Under Oudolf’s careful design, the High Line has flourished both as a botanical haven and an urban refuge, attracting diverse wildlife such as bees, bats, butterflies, and various bird species. This thriving ecosystem contributes to the park’s appeal, alongside its botanical beauty.

As the grand opening of the 34th Street Garden approaches, it promises not only to enhance the High Line’s offerings but also to solidify its status as an integral part of New York City’s urban landscape. The completion of this project is not just a triumph of landscape architecture but a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and repurposing its historical structures. Visitors can anticipate a new chapter for the High Line, with an expanded experience that invites everyone to marvel at its unique charm and enduring legacy.