Susane Colasanti - Journal

If I couldn't be a science teacher or a teen book author or a closet organizer, I would probably be an urban planner. I have serious love for New York City, especially its green architecture and parks and all the ways in which it interacts with the people living here to enhance our lives. The idea of creating a Zen space out of a desolate area is fascinating. That's why the High Line makes me so happy.



There's an old elevated subway line running from the West Village into midtown. For years it just sat there. But now it's been transformed into the High Line, a new green space with amazing views and lots of vegetation. All of the plants are indigenous, grown from preserved seeds. Trees, grasses, shrubs, and flowers were all planted around the old train tracks:



It's a sweet place to relax. I love having peaceful places like this in the middle of a busy city. It's a totally rejuvenating experience! There are lounge chairs that roll along the original rail tracks. There's a wading pool you can walk across in the summer. A huge glass wall overlooks the street below. Benches are spread out. Every little section has its own theme going on. And all of the lighting is placed along the railing to reduce the amount of light pollution, which will rock on clear nights.

Since the High Line is elevated in an area with few obstructions, the views are incredible. You can check out the awesome surrounding architecture in a way that's impossible from street level...



...or just watch sunset on the Hudson River :



Yay for reclaimed materials! Here's more info about the High Line's design and history.