Robert Hammond: Building a park in the sky

New York was planning to tear down the High Line, an abandoned elevated railroad in Manhattan, when Robert
Hammond and a few friends suggested: Why not make it a park? He shares how it happened in this tale of local
cultural activism.

The co-founder of Friends of the High Line, Robert Hammond helped lead the effort to build an elevated park on an
abandoned railway line in Manhattan.

❶ These words will be used in the video:

elevated rail line = the rail line which goes above the ground
to abandon = to leave
to demolish a building = to destroy a building (usually old) > demolition
to preserve a building = to save, to protect
a board meeting = a meeting of the council, of the heads of an organization/community
inspired by a view = ………………………………………………………………
economic value = ………………………………………………………………
to realize = ………………………………………………………………
to transform (a place) = to change completely
to interact (with people) = to communicate, to have connections

❷ Watch the video and answer the following questions:

a) What is the High Line like today? What it used to be in the past?
b) How many people got interested in the project?
c) What inspired Robert to start the project?
d) What makes the High Line so special?

❸ Watch the video again and mark the following statements TRUE or FALSE:

A. The High Line was built on the outskirts of New York and was safe for people.
B. Robert started this project as a volunteer.
C. Robert and his friend were inspired by a landscape from the High Line.
D. So far the project cost $50 million.
E. The High Line is covered in advertising billboards.
F. Robert was frightened that people would dislike his project.
G. People usually have business lunches in the High Line park.
H. The project showed how it is possible to change the way people feel in their city.

❹ What is your opinion about this project? Would you like to have a similar one in your city?

http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_hammond_building_a_park_in_the_sky.html