New York city, state, and federal officials have joined with Friends of the High Line to celebrate the realisation of a dream to preserve the full length of the High Line, from Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District, north to 34th Street, where the historic rail line terminates at Hudson Yards.

The opening of the northernmost section marks 15 years of advocacy for Friends of the High Line, which began in 1999 when Joshua David and Robert Hammond, two neighbourhood residents, had a vision to preserve the High Line and create a new, innovative public space for New Yorkers and visitors.

The events celebrated the High Line as a model urban reuse project, one that was distinguished by elected officials, architects, urbanists, artists and advocates alike.

The opening ceremony took place on the High Line at 30th Street just west of 10th Avenue, and included US senator Charles Schumer.

“The High Line is a true testament to our city’s embrace of innovative and pioneering urban planning.

“What was once a dilapidated train track has been transformed into a world-renowned park, thanks to the dedicated efforts of two neighborhood residents and a strong public-private partnership.

“The idea - and later the reality - of the High Line filled a void in the community by providing free open space for all of its residents to enjoy,” said New York mayor Bill de Blasio.

The High Line at the Rail Yards stretches between West 30th and West 34th Streets to the south and north, and 10th and 12th Avenues to the east and west.

This section of the park introduces exciting new design features that celebrate the unique context surrounding this section of the elevated railway.

To celebrate the opening of this northernmost section of the park, Friends of the High Line organised a community procession with hundreds of neighbours, volunteers, local business owners, friends from local community groups, City officials, and long-time supporters walking the entire length of the High Line, from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street.

Those who partook in the procession, conceived in collaboration with Processional Arts Workshop, carried banners, silk ribbons and large decorative objects based on themes from the history of the various neighbourhoods surrounding the High Line.