Officially opened to the public yesterday (21 September), the third and northernmost phase of the New York High Line elevated park is now complete.

Designed by James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and planting designer Piet Oudolf, the High Line project has been underway since the disused rail structure was initially saved from demolition in the late 90s.

Now for the first time, the northernmost section of the park, has been made accessible to the public. The stretch is 1.5 miles (2.4km) long and has an array of public spaces and attractions on offer.

Named the Rail Yards, this section of the High Line puzzle enables the public will be able to walk the length of the 30ft (9.1m) high structure.


The new benches and exposed tracks offer the chance for a leisurely stroll

The Rail Yard's numerous features are as follows:

• 30th Street Grove: a public gathering space which has seating and play areas for children.

• Rail Track Walk: consisting of three linear paths where visitors can interact with the landscape of the park.

• 11th Avenue Bridge: a further elevated area of the park for viewing the New York cityscape, and places to sit and relax in a more intimate environment.

• Pershing Square Beams: areas of the High Line’s concrete have been stripped back to reveal wood and girders, offering a rustic climbing frame for children to play on.

• Interim Walkway: at the northernmost point of the Rail Yards, a simple path has been created for visitors to walk through, celebrating the urban landscape and offering excellent views of the Hudson River and NYC.


The elevated park has given NYC a new lease of life in the form of open, green spaces

US Representative Jerrold Nadler, who has supported the High Line project since it’s inception, commented: “The High Line has become, without a doubt, one of the premier attractions in New York City. This unique public space is a testament to the vision of those who worked to preserve and transform what was once an abandoned elevated railway.”