The proposed Water Taxi Beach has a volleyball court...
Add a sandy beach to the Island's new attractions. New York Water Taxi plans to install a beach and outdoor entertainment area this summer next to the ferry landing, similar to its popular Water Taxi Beach on the East River in Long Island City. Opening is planned for the July 4 weekend.
Tom Fox, president, says the Governors Island version - responding to a GIPEC Request for Proposals last summer- will have a beach volley ball court, a beer garden and café, basketball courts and a large performance space. No swimming. Total space: 43,000 square feet or about one acre, in the parking lot where the waterfalls were last summer
Three-quarters of it - 31,500 square feet - will be dedicated to the performance space. The sandy beach will cover about 2,100 square feet; the bar and grill will take about the same. Fox says he also has tentative plans for an amusement ride, perhaps a Ferris wheel or, "I know there's a carousel in Brooklyn Heights that needs a home."
New York Water Taxi runs those familiar yellow boats with black-and-white checker trim that skitter around the harbor - commuter transportation all year and sightseeing for tourists from April to October.
Details of their service to the Island are being worked out. But, in general, people will be able to reach the beach by Water Taxi or by the regular ferry during hours when the Island is open to the public - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 30 through October 11. Water Taxis will also make the 7-minute run for events when the rest of the island is closed.
The New York beaches are similar to "Paris-Plage" [Paris Beach] along the banks of the Seine, created by the city in 2002. The Long Island City beach was created in 2005 and expanded it last year. New York Water Taxis make a stop there in summer.
Fox is a longtime stalwart of the Alliance's efforts to enhance Island development. "The more excitement we can bring to the Island the better," he says.
...and an outdoor cafe.
New York Water Taxi runs those familiar yellow boats with black-and-white checker trim that skitter around the harbor - commuter transportation all year and sightseeing for tourists from April to October.
Details of their service to the Island are being worked out. But, in general, people will be able to reach the beach by Water Taxi or by the regular ferry during hours when the Island is open to the public - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 30 through October 11. Water Taxis will also make the 7-minute run for events when the rest of the island is closed.
The New York beaches are similar to "Paris-Plage" [Paris Beach] along the banks of the Seine, created by the city in 2002. The Long Island City beach was created in 2005 and expanded it last year. New York Water Taxis make a stop there in summer.
Fox is a longtime stalwart of the Alliance's efforts to enhance Island development. "The more excitement we can bring to the Island the better," he says.