Planning June 2020
Great Places
Governors Island, New York City
The Friends of Governors Island, a community-run nonprofit, works to ensure the Island's continued growth and accessibility as a Great Public Space for all. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, its 2020 opening was postponed. Photo ©Kreg Holt.
Once an abandoned island in New York Harbor, Governors Island has been transformed into a waterfront park offering views of Manhattan Island and the Statue of Liberty. Four towering man-made hills on the island help fortify it against rising sea levels and provide habitat for almost two dozen species of wildflowers, bees, and butterflies.
The former site of three historic forts, the city's new backyard offers residents a place to play, walk, stroll, and cycle via short ferry rides from Manhattan and Brooklyn.