Construction Update: Seating Steps Installation

Between the recent snowstorms, crews have been working through the icy temperatures and frigid winds to install of Seating Steps—an elevated seating area near the Lawn in Section 2.

Located at West 22nd Street, the Seating Steps are situated in a space where the High Line opens up to a wider area that once housed extra tracks that served a loading deck for the adjacent warehouses. The design team has used the extra width to create a central gathering space, with the Seating Steps anchoring the southern end of the Lawn, a 4,900 square foot swatch of inviting turf for lounging, picnicking, and people-watching.

The Seating Steps, like the peel-up benches and other furniture elements in Section 2, are comprised of reclaimed teak. The hardwood has been repurposed from demolished industrial and agricultural buildings. Under close inspection, indications of the wood's prior use become evident. Marks leftover from nails, pegs and fasteners have been filled with a durable epoxy, creating a smooth finish. An oil-based sealant is applied to the wood's surface, both protecting the wood and allowing it to weather to a uniform silvery grey color over time.

Check out more photos on our blog, or visit our Web site for renderings and more information about Section 2's design.

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Video: Snow Days on the High Line

It's official—January was the snowiest month in New York City's history. When the snow blankets our city, Friends of the High Line's Maintenance & Operations crew works diligently to make the park safe to open to the public. The three heavy snow storms in January kept us busy! Check out photos on our blog, or click on the image above to watch a video of the crew in action.

Have you visited the High Line after one of the recent snowstorms? We invite you to share your photos with us by sending them to info@thehighline.org, or by posting them to our Flickr pool.

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Snow Dragon Wins High Line Snow Sculpt-Off

Thank you to everyone who turned out for our first-ever High Line Snow Sculpt-Off last Thursday. We were thrilled to see our neighbors, friends, and fellow New Yorkers enjoying the High Line in the winter.

In case you missed the event, view photos and video on our blog.

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High Line Field Trips Registration Now Open

Teachers, bring your students to the High Line this spring. Friends of the High Line offers guided field trips exploring the unique ecology, design, and history of the elevated freight rail line turned park. Our hands-on, interactive programs support New York State learning standards, and are available for grades 2 through 7.

The spring field trip season begins March 15, and spots are already filling up. For more information or to book a field trip, please visit our Web site.

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Volunteer Opportunity: High Line Green-Up

This spring, you are invited to enjoy the High Line in a whole new way. We are looking for a dedicated group of volunteers for High Line Green-Up, the annual preparation of the planting beds for spring.

As winter's snow melts and warmer temperatures arrive, new vegetation begins to appear in the park's planting beds. In keeping with Piet Oudolf's vision for the High Line, plants are left in their natural state throughout the year, rather than trimmed back at the onset of cold. That means when spring arrives, the High Line Gardeners must work quickly to make room for new growth in the gardens.

Beginner and experienced gardeners are welcome. Visit our Web site to learn more or sign up to volunteer.

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Friends of the High Line Is Hiring

Join us as we prepare for the next section of the High Line, between West 20th and West 30th Streets, to open this spring. To apply for a position, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@thehighline.org.

Director, Corporate Development & Sponsorship Marketing

Manager, High Line Food & Events

To view all open positions, please visit our Web site.

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Top Online Stories

Here is a collection of the past few weeks' most popular stories from the High Line Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

	High Line Blog Malcolm Gladwell, Robert Hammond, Jerilyn Perine, and John Mollenkopf discuss the High Line's impact at the CUNY Graduate Center.
	Facebook From Mayor Bloomberg's State of the City Address: "Together, we will continue transforming the old into new across the city. We'll open the second section of the High Line—once an abandoned eyesore, now the most popular railroad trestle in the world."
	Twitter The High Line's peel-up benches under a blanket of snow: http://twitpic.com/3tb013

Follow the High Line and stay connected.

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Grow and Sustain the High Line

This spring will be one of our most exciting seasons yet.

Right now, construction workers and gardeners are hard at work on Section 2, which will extend the High Line all the way to West 30th Street.

Your membership support helps us open Section 2, giving New Yorkers twice as much park to enjoy.

Please join or renew your support today with your 2011 membership gift to help us open Section 2 and sustain the entire High Line for the busy season to come.

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