By Leila Molana-Allen
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CHELSEA — The High Line park will soon have a variety of food and drink available for purchase, park operators announced.
Friends of the High Line issued a request for proposals from concessionaires for spring 2011 last Friday. The initial contracts will last for 10 months starting in May, with the option for a one-year renewal at the discretion of Friends of the High Line.
The organization said they had received consistent requests for food and beverage amenities since the park opened.
The request stipulated that High Line food stands should offer variety and reflect seasonality, make use of the New York region's diverse agricultural offerings, cover a range of affordable pricing options and should cater to the diverse crowd the park attracts.
"We aim for the High Line to be a model for food and beverage in public spaces that is interesting, high quality, sustainable, and fairly priced," said Friends of the High Line in the RFP.
The introduction of concessions stands will coincide with the extension of the park into Section 2, which will reach up to West 30th Street. Friends of the High Line is accepting applications for stands in both the existing section and the new extension, which is yet to open in May. They plan to install four food stands in Section 1, and one in Section 2.
An agreement has been reached whereby part of the revenue created by the food and beverage stands will go towards upkeep of the park, while the other part will go to the city, according to Friends of the High Line.
"We are looking for partners who will work with us to create food that is as thoughtful, creative, and innovative as the High Line itself, and who want to build a strong partnership and active collaboration with the High Line," Friends of the High Line said.
