The park that really never should have been. One of those strange success stories that no one really ever imagined was possible. An old, rundown freight railroad slated for demolition saved by nature itself. In 2001, photographer Joel Sternfeld published a book titled, Walking the High Line, showcasing the wild beauty of this railroad. Nature had taken over: grasses and flowers grew around the track and through the ties, even trees began to grow above the streets of Manhattan below. It brought color and life to urban decay, inviting and inspiring. Rallying the public via public and private organizations, some organized by local residents, such as Friends of the Highline, revived the railroad in the public eye, allowing us to experience its wonder.
I believe this photograph captures said essence: nature taking back the railroad, and bringing beauty with it. The flowers and plant life are the priority, taking the center stage, sitting directly in the focal point of the camera. As one shifts their focus to the background, railroad tracks are visible, extending into the distance and fading away under the curtain of the grasses. Nature has taken over, and only left remnants of the structure that stands. The colors are vibrant but warm, bringing a sense of comfort to the scene, belonging. A soft green is present everywhere, also signifying nature is the most important part of the photograph.
Both the photograph and the High Line to me symbolize the power of nature in all aspects. It has the power to take back what we have built, taking over piece by piece, in between every railroad tie. But it also has the power to bring people together. Without its beauty, we would have never seen this park ever built. With its help, an important piece of New York’s history has been saved, and with it came the opportunity to bring a little of the outdoors to the middle of the concrete jungle.
