New York’s High Line is a reclaimed, re-used place that attracts thousands of city residents and visitors to stroll in a park-like setting.  The High Line was a defunct freight rail on New York’s west side.  See their website for more on this fantastic case study in the transformation of neglected space into vibrant place.

“Founded in 1999 by community residents, Friends of the High Line fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. It is now the non-profit conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to make sure the High Line is maintained as an extraordinary public space for all visitors to enjoy. In addition to overseeing maintenance, operations, and public programming for the park, Friends of the High Line works to raise the essential private funds to support more than 90 percent of the park’s annual operating budget, and to advocate for the preservation and transformation of the High Line at the Rail Yards, the third and final section of the historic structure, which runs between West 30th and West 34th Streets.”