Coney Island & The High Line

Some may call New York City a “concrete jungle,” but in my opinion, it is the best city in the world.  Two places that we had the opportunity of visiting were Coney Island and the High Line.  I’ve been to Coney Island many times before, but never even heard of the High Line until given this assignment.  It was an interesting experience to compare two completely different, yet similar places, one of which I was familiar with, and the other which I’ve never been to.

Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, is a fun-filled place where people come to experience a good time.  There are so many things to do which attracts a high number of tourists and visitors.  In the summer, the beach is always crowded with people, taking the sun or swimming in the ocean.  The boardwalk, filled with restaurants, arcade games, and occasional events is also always busy.  Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is home of the famous Wonder Wheel, an official landmark that has been operating since 1920.  The swinging and rolling cars make this ride like no other Ferris wheel.  Luna Park also has many different rides, including the Steeplechase found in the Scream Zone.  As described in Rem Koolhaas’s Delirious New York, “a favorite activity of the cosmopolites…was horseback riding”(37).  Also in Luna Park is the Cyclone, another official landmark.  Opened in 1927, many people still come to ride this famous wooden roller coaster that’s been operating for over 80 years.  Along with visiting these two parks, many people go to eat at the original Nathan’s and enjoy the “famous frankfurters.”  The New York Aquarium, which is open 365 days a year, is also located in Coney Island.  MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones is where many fans gather to see a real Brooklyn team play ball.  I think Coney Island really reflects the high energy of its neighborhood. The boardwalk is always packed with people, the streets are crowded with visitors, and police are on constant patrol.

When I think of Coney Island, “art” is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind.  However, when doing this project and walking through Coney Island, I actually became aware of all the art surrounding me.  As you walk down the boardwalk, you may notice that every garbage can is painted in a uniquely different way.  The walls of the public restrooms are filled with murals.  There are artists sitting on benches waiting to draw pictures of you.  To me, the beach itself is a work of art.  Coney Island is one place that everyone should visit!

I consider the High Line, located in Manhattan, a respite from the city, yet one with it.  To me, walking the High Line is an experience like no other.  New York City is made up of streets, buildings, automobiles, and lots of people.  When you walk on the High Line, although you are in this big city, you’re transported far from it.  Instead of walking on the busy streets down below, avoiding cars and waiting for streetlights to change, you can take a peaceful walk on the High Line.  It’s amazing how an abandoned, obsolete railroad was transformed into a beautiful public park unlike any other.  With benches all along the way, and plants and flowers surrounding you (some growing between the train tracks that still remain), there is a whole new feeling of being in New York.  In this fast-paced environment, the High Line provides the opportunity to slow down and take your time “to stop and smell the flowers.”  I looked over the railing and saw New York through different eyes.  “That little height makes even ugly things below look orderly and patterned” (Gopnik).

Unlike Coney Island, the High Line is located in a very artsy neighborhood.  As you walk on the streets below and on the actual High Line, there are many vendors selling different works of art.  Taking the unused train tracks and transforming them into a public park expresses an artistic creativity.  The benches were constructed in a crafty way, with some resembling train tracks, others welcoming visitors to have a seat.  The way the plants were rooted was also done creatively.  My favorite part was the way the water flowed under some of the benches.

Coney Island and the High Line are two very remarkable places in New York that everyone should visit.  Both places allow visitors to get to know New York City, not only as the “capital of the world,” or the hustle and bustle of Midtown and Times Square, but also as a recreational place where one can relax, reflect, and enjoy their time in the middle of this big city.

Works Cited:

Gopnik, Adam. “A Walk on the High Line.” The New Yorker May 21, 2001: 44-49. Print.

Koolhaas, Rem. Delirious New York. New York: Monacelli Press, 1994. Print.