Peter Harnik

Peter Harnik, co-founder of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and director at the Trust for Public Land’s Center for City Park Excellence, shares his passion for transforming abandoned railbeds into vibrant multi-use trails. He delves into the origins of this movement, highlighting Mae Watts's pivotal role in its inception. Harnik discusses the charm of these trails, as experienced by numerous enthusiasts, and tackles the challenges posed by legal disputes and community opposition. The discussion also touches on innovative reuse models, like rail banking, and celebrated examples such as the High Line.