Highline
HIGHLINE
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INSTITUTION BEHIND THE PARK IN THE SKY
Presented by Daharis Pesantez
Founders+Activists of the Friends of the High Line
Joshua David and Robert Hammond loved the wild and striking beauty of the abandoned relic of the railroad and saw it as an opportunity to create a new experience for the city. Today, the park-- a mile long expanse of plants, paths, food venues, and framed vistas--runs through a transformed West Manhattan and together, with the help of community activists, artists, local business owners, leaders in landscaping architecture were able to save a space that was prepared for demolition.
CULTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION
Collective Action in a Bottom Up Institution
"Many big public projects come from the top down. An elected official champions it, and gets it done. We couldn't have done the High Line without New York's elected officials, but I always describe the High Line as a bottom-up project. Josh laughs when I say it, because it sounds sort of gay, but the fact is, our project began at the community level." -Robert Hammond, co-founder
DANYA SHERMAN
Director of Public Programs, Education & Community Engagement
Along with partnering neighborhood and cultural organizations, Danya Sherman's Department produces over 450 public events eaxh year on the HL that lets New Yorkers from all walks of life learn about and experience unique aspects of it.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
Maintaining a vibrant, green space while also engaging with environmental solutions for their inherent value, rather than consume solutions
One of the primary goals of the Friends of the High Line is to redefine democratic policies and refurbish civic engagement by embracing what people of the community want to see for the park
FHL host urban strategists Majora Carter+Enrique Penalosa at Beyond the High Line: Building Equitable Cities & Public Space
Community Involvement
The High Line's design was created through a community-based process in which supporters + community residents contributed input directly to designers + Friends of High Line
Friends of the High Line's public events help to build a diverse, inclusive, and dynamic community
For TEEN NIGHT, the park was transformed into beach board walk!
Arriba dance events, embracing latin roots and salsa music
"Greening the urban density"
One notable observation of the institution is that it recognizes the importance of public sector innovation in promoting the socio-economic, environment & sustainability of cities. The park is gives local business owners the opportunuty to grow their brands in the multi-use space.
I have three goals for the High Line: that it will always be well loved by New Yorkers; inspire others to start their own projects; and that it will get better after Josh and I leave. The true sign of a healthy organization is that it is not dependent on its founders. That's what I want for thr High Line, for it to keep growing and changing." -Robert Hammond