The High Line ... A Park? Really??

In this day of Facebook and Twitter I feel I don't need to go to news websites any more. All I have to do is check all the status updates and figure out what's going on in the world. That's exactly how I found out about High Line Park a few weeks ago. What an amazing park, the best park in NYC, the new hot spot, gorgeous views, and much else was said about this park in the Meat Packing District.

So a few days ago, when my girl friends and I were planning to meet up after months, one of them suggested the Highline Park. We were to get a late lunch and head there and eat and catch up. I met them right after work and hadn't eaten all day. I get a little, just a little grumpy, when my stomach is growling. I was really looking forward to seeing this park. I'm a BIG fan of parks and beaches! Any open place with water, green,air and a spectacular view is where I'll be during my down time in the Summer.

When we finally got up the stairs with our bags, our food and my friend's stroller (she was holding the baby) I was now REALLY cranky and I looked around me and stopped - THIS IS THE PARK???? I asked. I found myself surrounded by a concrete jungle with a very obstructed view of the water, and not a pretty view by any means. Ugly buildings surrounded me (well, most of them) and there was nothing 'park' like about this place. When I think 'park', I think sprawling lawns, trees, birds, flowers, rocks. I definitely don't see claustrophobia amidst concrete and only one path to follow, going either forward or back. I felt trapped.

It kept bothering me. WHY call this a park??? Call it anything else. It's very esthetically unique, to the point that it looks like an exhibit at the MOMA. Very modern, very artistic - loved the wild foliage and lounge chairs. I really liked what I saw, but not in the context of it being a park. When I think park, I think relaxation and unwinding. I felt just the opposite up there. I felt trapped and claustrophobic. Would I go back? Of course I would, but not with the intention of going to the park, but probably to go to a cool hang out place. I went home to google this place and voila!!! The website doesn't call it a park. Its just the High Line. SO much better! Who started adding the word 'park'??

I don't know if it was the lack of food that made me more judgmental than usual, or just the hype of it that I had been exposed to right before I saw it for myself. Something similar had happened when I went to see MTC's 'Ruined' after all I heard was that it was the best play ever written, and I didn't seem to think so.

Note to self - Try and see things before the hype.

-- Farah Bala

Comments

[Justine]

This is good to know actually because one of my friends had suggested we go there sometime. From your description, it doesn't sound like something I'd particularly like - definitely not worth rushing to see, anyway.

So thanks. :)