GOOD Magazine asset, video. The Highline is an elevated rail structure designed to carry freight trains thru NYC in the 1930s, and ran actively from 1934 until the 60s. It was eventually abandoned with the rise of highways. In 2001, the structure was slated to be torn down, until two neighborhood activists– Joshua David and Robert Hammond—created “Friends of the Highline.” Their mission was to save the structure and turn it into a park. They achieved success in 2003 when the city halted the structure’s demolition and passed a ruling to preserve the rail line. They held a contest to come up with the most creative idea for a park. In 2004, a winner was chosen, and the new park will open to the public in 2008. The group’s efforts brought the community together, and proved things that ought to be can be if you have the will to pursue them. For more, log onto http://www.goodmagazine.com/. From Wiredset Digtal Agency.
