SubscribeSign In
Collection by Allie Weiss

Awesome Parks Created from Abandoned Railways and Waterways

In our February issue, we speak to Ryan Gravel, whose idea to transform Atlanta’s system of abandoned railroads into a thriving urban greenway was the impetus for the city's BeltLine project. The massive undertaking will convert a 22-mile loop of infrastructure into much-needed public space. Here, we take a look at similar projects in other cities, some of which helped inspire the details of the Atlanta plan.

View 5 Photos
An inaccessible, overgrown space on Yellowstone Boulevard could become an access point to the QueensWay, with seating, landscaped plantings, and a small play area and garden.
An inaccessible, overgrown space on Yellowstone Boulevard could become an access point to the QueensWay, with seating, landscaped plantings, and a small play area and garden.
The Bloomingdale Line, an elevated 16-foot-tall freight line that stretched across Chicago’s near northwest side, has been remade into the 606, a 2.7-mile greenway outfitted with trails and recreation areas. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates headed up the overall landscaping design, which will feature plants arranged to bloom as the season develops.
The Bloomingdale Line, an elevated 16-foot-tall freight line that stretched across Chicago’s near northwest side, has been remade into the 606, a 2.7-mile greenway outfitted with trails and recreation areas. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates headed up the overall landscaping design, which will feature plants arranged to bloom as the season develops.
Many supporters see it as a first step toward the creation of a linear expanse of parks and wetlands along the river’s entire 51-mile length. This image shows what the river could look like after the efforts.
Many supporters see it as a first step toward the creation of a linear expanse of parks and wetlands along the river’s entire 51-mile length. This image shows what the river could look like after the efforts.
Though plans are still being developed, a 14.9-mile unused railway in Singapore is set to be recast as a series of community spaces. Pictured is a rendering of a rock-climbing area by Nikken Sekkei.
Though plans are still being developed, a 14.9-mile unused railway in Singapore is set to be recast as a series of community spaces. Pictured is a rendering of a rock-climbing area by Nikken Sekkei.