Parks

The High Line

One of the most popular attractions in Chelsea, and New York City, the High Line, an elevated park on an old elevated railroad line has since 2009, been hailed as the savior of declining west Chelsea, a neighborhood that is now a burgeoning food and art gallery hub of New York City.

Inspired by the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, a repurposed railway in Paris, the High Line boasts plenty of greenery, public art, and eateries. The High Line has also spawned a worldwide trend of elevated parks, many major cities are taking a leaf out of New York’s book.

After years of planning and construction, the elevated railroad became an elevated park, attracted millions to its picturesque views, and revitalized the entire neighborhood’s economy and real estate. While the tourist attraction creates a lot of congestion on the slim park, it is definitely worth a visit, particularly during the weekday when the crowds are not as large.

Chelsea Waterside Park

Acquired by the city in 1907, Chelsea Waterside Park has gone through several transformation to become the park is today. Situated to the north of the Chelsea Piers sports complex, It includes a dog park at the south end, a multi-use recreational field in the northwest corner, a basketball court to the north, and a children’s play area in the northeast quadrant.

The central portion of the park includes a pedestrian walkway flanked by new lawns for some light recreation and includes lush planting beds filled with various flowers and plants.

Chelsea Park

Chelsea Park is one of the most popular and widely used parks in lower Manhattan. Acquired by the Park Department 100 years ago, it offers basketball courts, baseball diamonds, handball courts, multi-purpose asphalt surfaces, and plenty of lounging space.

The first playground here was built in 1910, and was designated an open space for the people living in the crowded tenements the area, while the then newly formed Board of Recreation organized competitions for thousands of spectators to participate and watch. The Chelsea Memorial Committee donated to the park its most notable statue, a World War I memorial called the Chelsea Doughboy Statue. It still stands today.