Brooklynites desperate for open space can now board the ferry to Governors Island year-round, as the greenspace oasis will remain open 365 days per-year, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine public space in this city – and now, we’re proud to keep the crown jewel of our harbor open to New Yorkers all year round,” said de Blasio Tuesday.
The island, located in New York Harbor roughly 400 yards from Brooklyn, and 700 yards from Manhattan, will have ferry service from both boroughs throughout all four seasons — marking a change from the usual operational season from May-to-October.
The mayor announced that New York City ferry service will be expanded to stop at Governor’s Island daily, with the island staying open from 7 am to 6:15 pm. The park will also expand its cultural offerings when the mercury drops, according to City Hall officials.
The NYC Ferry will provide access from DUMBO, Red Hook, and Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, and the Lower East Side in Manhattan — with one-way tickets priced at $2.75, the same cost as a swipe from a MetroCard.
The first spot of land in New York to be occupied by Dutch settlers, Governors Island was used for military operations starting around the Revolutionary War and ending in 2003 when the federal government transferred the land to New York for use as a public space.
Since then, it’s earned a reputation as one of New York’s most dynamic green spaces, unique in its status as a full island dedicated parkland, with art galleries, food trucks, a high school, and an in-the-works climate center.
“This announcement is an exciting moment in realizing our vision to increase equitable access to this remarkable resource and is an important step in realizing Governors Island’s full potential,” said Clare Newman, president of the Trust for Governors Island.
