MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The High Line in Manhattan has become one of the most popular places in the city for tourists and locals.

The park built and maintained as a public-private partnership makes the most of the elevated transit infrastructure. Every year, 7 million people stroll along the old tracks or sit and watch the world go by.

Karen and Marie Elaine work nearby. The High Line adds a bit of nature to a commute.

"We love it. We like to walk back and forth," they said during a lunchtime break.

New art has been installed for the season and 15 events are planned throughout the summer.

Alan van Capelle, The High Line's executive director, said the gardens and local vendors are big draws.

"We feel really good about tourism numbers right now, but we also feel really good about the amount of New Yorkers coming up here," van Capelle said.

The original section of The High Line on the northern end along 34th Street opened in 2014 creating a 1.45-mile park.

The area, known as the western rail yards, offers views of the river and rails. Currently, work is underway on the ground level to build the new tunnel to New Jersey.

The area is open this summer. It will be renovated in the winter to include seating and lighting to allow for later visiting hours.

Local vendors are ready for a busy season. Lawrence Mach is the owner of Coney Shack, which combines boardwalk style with Southeast Asian flavors.

"It brings me back to the outdoor food scene and the view is beautiful," Mach said.

Salsa night will be held again in August.