As we go through the various phases and evolution of the phases in our world that seems to change by the minute, planning has proven to be difficult. It seems that we’re constantly planning, cancelling, re-planning, postponing and rescheduling events. The entire exercise is exhausting and we’re ready for some stability. While that horizon seems near and far at the same time, we need to keep moving forward. With that, the exotic vacations will remain Facebook memories for now. However, that does not mean we’re confined to our small living quarters while Summer is happening all around us.
One of the best day trips we can think of is only 800 yards away from Lower Manhattan and even closer to Brooklyn. Enter another world at Governors Island. And yes, it’s opening! The Trust for Governors Island announced that Governors Island will reopen to the public with limited capacity for passive recreational activities on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Starting that day, Governors Island will be open to visitors daily from 10AM to 6PM on weekdays and 10AM to 7PM on weekends. In order to serve New Yorkers most in need of open space, The Trust is launching an extensive outreach initiative and offering free ferries to all New York City Housing Authority residents and community organizations across the city. Brooklyn ferries will also be redirected from Pier 6 to Red Hook’s Atlantic Basin, beginning Saturday, July 18.
If you haven’t experienced one of New York’s most special places, the ferry is the icing on the cake! In addition to a beautiful ride, Governors Island will operate with limited services and will remain open for passive recreation activities only, such as hiking, walking and running, biking and birding throughout its expansive landscapes.
Visitors can enjoy sweeping, 360-degree views of the surrounding skylines and Harbor landmarks like the Statue of Liberty from the summit of Outlook Hill. Hammock Grove provides a relaxing respite in comfortable hammocks tucked cozily into secluded pockets in the foliage. Kids will enjoy climbing and swinging at the Hammock Grove Play Area and zipping down Slide Hill’s collection of twist-y, turn-y slides including a tandem slide and the longest slide in the city at 57 feet long. The Urban Farm will be open Saturdays and Sundays for visitors to explore Grow NYC’s Teaching Garden and Earth Matter’s Compost Learning Center.
Public art installations remain on view, including Shantell Martin’s The May Room, a commission for the 2019 season, Rachel Whiteread’s Cabin, a permanent installation on Discovery Hill, and more.
It’s a day trip that won’t cost you much and a way to safely get out of the world you’ve been stuck in for some time. Hit it!
For more information, visit govisland.com.