Featured Destination: The High Line

Parks and green areas are cropping up in some unexpected places, as communities band together to not only reclaim communal space, but also see it thrive as a living, breathing destination for everyone to enjoy. Such parks don't stray far from the passion explored by Ken Burns in his new documentary about America's National Parks. A group of folks, from all walks, rally for preservation, beauty, and our public community. We commend NYC's High Line project for this very reason. It was originally built in the 1930's to lift freight traffic off the busy streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district, but hasn't been active since 1980. Support for its transformation into an elevated public park grew, and a team of driven, innovative community organizations and architects led the charge, resulting in its grand opening this year. Be sure to check it out when you visit NYC. Another space to watch? The East Span of the Bay Bridge in California. Fast Company reported on a proposal by Ronald Rael, an architect and professor at UC Berkeley, titled The Bay Line. This project would save the East Span of the Bay Bridge, which is awaiting demolition. Its reinvention could house a cycling and pedestrian path, a climbing wall, parks, gardens, and tennis courts. We can dream can't we? Go Ronald!