High Line Park is New York City's first park with a view!

Located in the Meatpacking District, running between 34th street and Gansevoort Street, this once abandoned railroad viaduct stretches thirty feet above the streets of downtown New York, and offers a new experience for trendy Manhattanites. The park includes breathtaking views of the Hudson River, preserved nature, and echoes of New York's infamous skyline. The designers of this innovative project plan to leave the remaining train tracks along with the Art-Deco railings, and simply blend in new walkways and benches.

"Rather than destroying this valuable piece of our history, we have recycled it into an innovative and exciting park that will provide more outdoor space for our citizens and create jobs and economic benefits for our city," Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced at the opening ceremony.

The first section of about ten city blocks has recently opened to the public, but the project continues and hopes to stretch a total of twenty two blocks by 2010. Once completed, this project is estimated to cost over $152 million….ouch. But hey, at least our tax dollars are going towards something worthwhile for public use! (Or perhaps a spot where we can all sulk in the recession together)

Seeing the city from a completely new perspective, without the bustling traffic and crowded streets we are all so used to; this park will provide us with a serene way to walk through and take in the sights of Manhattan. According to recent reports, “the park is already a hotspot for the city's trendy elite. Designer Diane von Furstenberg is one of the A-list backers of the project and last week several Hollywood actors attended a champagne preview.”

Will High Line become the Central Park for trendy downtowners? Looks like it to me...