High Line at the Rail Yards

John Hill
29. September 2014
Preserved wildflowers in one stretch of section three. All photographs by John Hill/World-Architects

Those who have seen the first two sections of the park designed by James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro with planting designer Piet Oudolf will notice much of the same, with the concrete pavers combing into the plantings, benches peeling up from the pavers, and other features staying consistent with the design's kit of parts. Different are the playground inserted between some of the original beams, a stretch along the Hudson River that preserves the wildflowers that took over the elevated railway after it ceased operation in 1980, and open vistas of the rail yards that will fill in over time as the huge Hudson Yards development gets built. This development is sure to boost the already high number of visitors to the park, as will the subway station nearing completion by the northern end of the park at 34th Street.

Large timber benches overlook the Hudson River and Hudson Raily Yards.
A children's playground snakes between the elevated rail's original beams.
The park is an ideal spot to see the Hudson Yards development take shape; the first of many towers is under construction.
Peel-up tables accompany some of the peel-up benches.
Wildflowers find their way through the chain link fence separating them from the walkway.
This section of the park includes great views of the Hudson River and New Jersey.

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