In 2021, photographer John Abramson ventured across all 71 miles of the Canal on behalf of the Conservancy to capture the stories and faces of those who love the old Canal. We are pleased to share some of these stories with you.

United by the Canal: Gracian’s Tale of Hope and Community

Pictured: Gracian Mariathasan with Hugo.

The High Line Canal weaves together the diverse stories and experiences of those who call Colorado home. In the 1980s, Gracian’s family embarked on a journey to Colorado. They immigrated to the United States from Sri Lanka, seeking political asylum. Challenges for those seeing asylum can be immense, but hope for a brighter future is sustaining.

Today, Gracian, his family, and their four-legged best friend, Hugo, reside in a home that overlooks the High Line Canal. It’s a place where they’ve found tranquility and community. Gracian’s words echo the sentiment shared by many who have embraced the Canal as a part of their lives, “I’ve met so many wonderful people on this trail!”

The Canal is more than just an urban trail; it’s a mosaic of human connection. As we meander along the trail, we are reminded that the community extends beyond borders and backgrounds. The Canal is a place of unity, where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and share stories of their journeys.

Gracian’s story is a tribute to the resilience of immigrants and the role the High Line Canal plays in fostering connections among neighbors. The Canal nurtures the spirit of togetherness, reminding us that, regardless of our origins, we all find common ground on this shared trail.