Come October, the latest segment of the High Line that is still being developed can be visited and explored by the public.
In coordination with Openhousenewyork’s annual architectural showcase and UNIQLO, Friends of the High Line is offering an opportunity for visitors to view the third and final installment of the park before it undergoes construction over two weekends next month.
Originally the site of an elevated freight train line, the High Line — which runs roughly one mile from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street between 10th and 11th avenues — has been renovated into a public park space. It was founded by Friends of the High Line, a non-profit organization formed in 1999 by members of the park’s local community, and the group continues to maintain the park. Since the start the High Line’s construction in 2006, the park has opened Section 1 in June of 2009 and Section 2 in 2011. Section 3, the final section, is expected to open in October.
However, reservations must be made in order to attend the walking tour that explores the most recent addition.
Reservations cost $5 for the first weekend, Saturday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7. Tickets will be available through ohny.org on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 27.
Reservation will be free for the second weekend, Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14. The reservations can be made through thehighline.org beginning at noon on Thursday, Sept. 27.
Japanese retail store UNIQLO has supported the park’s maintenance for two years. The company is inviting the public to join them for the unveiling weekends, where they will be giving each visitor a piece of from their innovative Heattech garment collection.
“By continuing our support of this unique project, Uniqlo hopes to continue to become a part of New York culture and at the same time celebrate the one year anniversary of the Fifth [Avenue] Global Flagship Store opening,” said Melissa A. DiSalvo, the public relations liaison for Uniqlo.
Kate Lindquist, Friends of High Line communications and marketing director, also extended the invitation.
“We encourage people to come see the self-seeded landscape that inspired a community to join together to save this historic structure and transform it into one of the city’s best-loved public places,” she said.
Zoe Kearl, a High Line frequenter and junior in Gallatin, said she was supportive of the project.
“I think that the city needs more public spaces. Sometimes being surrounded by concrete can get overwhelming and it seems obvious that good urban planning allows for an escape from the ridiculous crush of everyday life in New York,” Kearl said. “UNIQLO getting on board as a corporate sponsor only serves to prove the point that sometimes money can work for good, not evil.”
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Sept. 20 print edition. Bianca Mukhi is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
