Governors Island Alliance

Three R's and H for Harbor

The Harbor School is ready for students! 

Murray Fisher dreamed of a school oriented to the harbor nearly 10 years ago. Umpteen hurdles later, it opened in 2004 in the middle of Brooklyn, far from the harbor. On September 8 it starts new life on the waterfront, where it was always meant to be - in the totally remodeled hospital building on Governors Island.

Continue reading "Three R's and H for Harbor " »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on August 13, 2010 12:07 PM | Permalink

Space on the Water's Edge

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on August 13, 2010 12:06 PM | Permalink

The NPS's History Hat Trick

Cannon fire on Civil War Weekend 

The National Park Service has put Island history on display this summer with three undertakings - Army Heritage in June, a Civil War weekend in August, and ongoing free "Biking Through History" tours led by NPS Rangers.

Continue reading "The NPS's History Hat Trick" »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on August 13, 2010 12:02 PM | Permalink

Extra-Terrestrial Activities

Daring young soul on the flying trapeze

The New York Trapeze School and the Big Apple Circus offer lessons in the circus arts on the parade grounds this year. For a price, the school will introduce you to the flying trapeze. It gives two-hour lessons in groups of ten on Saturdays and Sundays. First-timers start with the knee hang, then maybe a catch, and who knows what next? For details, click here. If you'd rather stay in touch with terra firma the circus offers free lessons in juggling, spinning plates, walking on stilts - and more.

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on August 13, 2010 11:57 AM | Permalink

Offshore Farmers' Market

Added Value Farmers Market at Picnic Point

You've been able to grab lunch or a snack on the Island for several summers, but not since the Coast Guard left could anyone shop for groceries. This year the Added Value Farm at Picnic Point has a stand selling selling fruit, vegetables, yogurt drinks, juice and flowers. It's open from 11 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Continue reading "Offshore Farmers' Market " »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on August 13, 2010 11:50 AM | Permalink

New Glue: Maya for Liz

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on August 13, 2010 11:48 AM | Permalink

Let's Fly a Kite!

Governors Island is the perfect place to fly a kite -- there are acres of open green space to run and plenty of wind off the Harbor.

On Saturday,July 17, the Governors Island Alliance is presenting Let's Fly a Kite, a free kite giveaway that begins at noon.

The giveaway will be held on the Parade Ground, between Nolan Park and Colonels Row. Volunteers will be on hand to help children assemble their kites and fly them. The Alliance will have 750 kites available, so the giveaway is on a first come, first served basis and will last until the kites run out!

Posted by Elizabeth on July 15, 2010 1:39 PM | Permalink

A New Crew to Steer the Island

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 15, 2010 1:31 PM | Permalink

Sign Up for the Water

Yankee Pier at 2009's City of Water Day 

City of Water Day, the fantastic annual celebration of New York City and its harbor, returns to Governors Island on Saturday, July 24. It's a watery field day for the thousands who converge from near and far, but it needs volunteers. Check the website for how to sign up: cityofwaterday.org/volunteer.

Continue reading "Sign Up for the Water" »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 15, 2010 1:14 PM | Permalink

Friday Ferry from Brooklyn

This could be your Friday ferry to GI! 

There is a new commercial ferry service to the Island from Brooklyn and Manhattan this year. It is the only service from Brooklyn on Fridays, when rental bikes are free; it supplements the free ferry service from Brooklyn and Manhattan on weekends, when bikes are for rent (or free if you bring your own). New York Watertaxi is providing the service in conjunction with NYHarborWay. It continues through Labor Day. There are stops every 30 minutes on Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Fulton Ferry Landing and South Street Seaport in Manhattan, with an additional stop at Governors Island on Fridays.

Continue reading "Friday Ferry from Brooklyn" »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 2:35 PM | Permalink

Rosanne Cash on July 4th

Outdoor concert with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash. Bring a picnic and discover Governors Island! July 4 at 2 o'clock. Sponsored by the Alliance and Trinity Wall Street.

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 2:33 PM | Permalink

Volunteer!

GIA Welcomes You at Soissons Dock / Photo by GIA 

Do you love GI so much you can't get enough? Want to be there every weekend? Want to give back to your community? Come work for the Alliance! We have many opportunities for volunteers.

Continue reading "Volunteer!" »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 2:26 PM | Permalink

Down on the Farm

GIA and Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks volunteers plant at Added Value farm / Photo by GIA

Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks (CTW) volunteers cleared 20 beds at the Added Value Farm on Picnic Point one Friday in early June and planted 300 feet of fava beans, 100 feet of flowers and 100 feet of squash, all together 500 plants. Some of the cleared beds were prepared for transplanting flowers and tomatillos during the summer.

Continue reading "Down on the Farm" »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 2:21 PM | Permalink

Happy New Year!

Confused the Clown and fans at GIA's Family Fest / Photo by Carlo Albanese

Opening day - Saturday, June 5 - was blessed with beautiful sunny skies. Almost 11,000 visitors made the voyage across the harbor. A little under half as many came out on Sunday despite threats of thunderstorms all day. And on Monday - another nice day - more than 250 supporters came out for the Alliance's annual fund-raiser reception at the Commanding Officer's Quarters on Nolan Park.

Continue reading "Happy New Year!" »

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 2:11 PM | Permalink

Semper Picnicus

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 2:03 PM | Permalink

Reading & Writing: History on July 11

Posted by Maya Borgenicht on July 10, 2010 1:58 PM | Permalink

Island Trilogy, Part 2

The 2nd installment of Governors Island Trilogy - titled "172" - tours the Island's stats 'n facts: acreage, structures, artists (and critics), bicycles, crops and visitors...and even offers two alternate verses, because where would we be without choices?

Opening notes and lyrics of "172" / Resources by VolunteerMusic

Continue reading "Island Trilogy, Part 2" »

Posted by Elizabeth on July 10, 2010 11:24 AM | Permalink

Fun at the Family Festival!

Kids surrounding Confused, the Clown on Saturday, June 5, Governors Island's opening day!

Looney Tooney the Clown making balloon animals in Colonels Row

Posted by Elizabeth on June 14, 2010 2:56 PM | Permalink

Coverage of the Summer Gala

Photo by Eleanor Foa Dienstag

Governors Island Alliance made the news in womanaroundtown.com! Check out the "Traveling Around" section for the article about GIA, the Summer Gala, and the LMCC artist studios.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

The event, which included a Tour of LMCC"s Artist Studios, a Silent Auction and outdoor dancing, took place on a picture perfect summer evening. Guests, representing environmental, architectural, preservation, museum and conservancy groups of every stripe, strolled from the ferry to one of the Island's most beautifully restored landmark buildings, The Commanding Officer's Quarters, with its gorgeous terrace views of Manhattan's bridges and downtown Brooklyn.

You can also see more photos of the event here.

Posted by Elizabeth on June 14, 2010 1:08 PM | Permalink

Special Preview: Silent Auction Items for June 7 Event

Posted by Elizabeth on June 2, 2010 7:39 PM | Permalink

Preview: Island Art Studios

Come early to the Alliance's fund-raiser on June 7 for a special VIP tour of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's studios for artists. The tour will be guided by the council's acting president Diego Segalini and the Alliance's own Rob Pirani, executive director.

The LMCC's studios and performance spaces are the Island's first ongoing installations. More than 30 artists - visual and performing - have inhabited the 20 studios and two performance spaces in Building 110 since March. Their five-month residencies run through July; a second round begins in August.

Continue reading "Preview: Island Art Studios" »

Posted by Elizabeth on May 28, 2010 9:14 AM | Permalink

Harbor Schoolroom Underfoot

Volunteers have painted a large map of New York Harbor on a piece of Island blacktop to serve as an outdoor schoolroom.

Sketched out initially by local artist Carl Scorza*, it will be used for interpretive programs that are part of a new agreement between the Alliance and the National Park Service to interpret the Harbor from its central point, the Island itself.

Deutsche Bank's "Passion to Perform" team and high school volunteers after painting the Harbor Map / Photos by GIA

Continue reading "Harbor Schoolroom Underfoot" »

Posted by Elizabeth on May 28, 2010 9:11 AM | Permalink

Help Wanted

Posted by Elizabeth on May 28, 2010 9:09 AM | Permalink

Opening Day Family Festival June 5

Clown Looney Tooney dazzles the crowd at last year's Festival / Photo by GIA

There are umpteen things to see and do at the Family Festival on opening day, Saturday, June 5. All you need is the capacity to absorb it all.

The Alliance has lined up a one-man band, a two-man band, five story tellers, a clown, a Medicine Show and, not least, Grammy-winning guitarist Tom Chapin, described by Billboard as "totally captivating." If you're still not captivated, there will be fishing, hula hoops and games, puppet making, bike decorating, an "interactive" map of New York Harbor where all sorts of learning will be dispensed.... and there's more.

Continue reading "Opening Day Family Festival June 5" »

Posted by Elizabeth on May 28, 2010 9:06 AM | Permalink

Save the Date: June 7 on the Island

RSVP here for the event

Or click here to download the invite and the reply card that can be printed and mailed to us here.

Posted by Elizabeth on May 3, 2010 1:12 PM | Permalink

Jongil Ma: Art on the Island

Posted by Elizabeth on May 2, 2010 4:54 PM | Permalink

Hey! Come Out and Party June 7!

Posted by Elizabeth on April 26, 2010 8:48 AM | Permalink

Three Times More Music

"Dust off your pipes, work on your chops and get with this island groove," says Mark Foley, a one-man-band from Manhattan. Foley has composed The Governors Island Trilogy as part of the Governors Island Song Project, co-sponsored by the Alliance and Foley's own VolunteerMusic, which gives free performances in hospitals, parks and you-name-it venues all over the city.

The starting notes of To Another Shore

Continue reading "Three Times More Music" »

Posted by Elizabeth on April 24, 2010 11:43 AM | Permalink

Army Brats Reunion and Picnic

Posted by Elizabeth on April 24, 2010 11:42 AM | Permalink

Family Festival Update!

Posted by Elizabeth on April 14, 2010 5:19 PM | Permalink

GIA Hopeful for Renewed Progress With Island Under City Control

Posted by Elizabeth on April 13, 2010 9:19 AM | Permalink

GIA's Fifth Annual Opening Day Family Festival, June 5

Posted by Elizabeth on April 7, 2010 4:19 PM | Permalink

GI: The Jewel of New York Harbor Tonight

Posted by Elizabeth on April 7, 2010 4:06 PM | Permalink

Summer 2010: Like No Other

The island is hibernating right now - peaceful, a little chilly, but lovely as ever. Plans are taking shape for a summer unlike any that have gone on before. Here is a snapshot of what the Alliance and participating partners are cooking up, with details yet to be settled:

Continue reading "Summer 2010: Like No Other" »

Posted by Elizabeth on March 4, 2010 2:56 PM | Permalink

Governors Island: It's My Island!

Dear Friend of Governors Island,

It's no longer the Harbor's sleeping beauty: Governors Island has awakened. With over 275,000 visitors at the end of the summer, the Island has hit the tipping point as one of New York's newest and fastest-growing favorite public spaces. It's visible, it's popular, and, most importantly, it's yours!

So how did you enjoy your Island this year?

Did you ride your bike all the way around the waterfront promenade, or did you lounge in a hammock looking up at Lady Liberty? Maybe you and some friends saw Judy Collins sing on the lawn at Colonels' Row, or just grabbed a burger at Water Taxi Beach. Did you take your children to see the cannons at Fort Jay, play soccer, or challenge the mini golf course behind Liggett Hall?

Whatever your favorite part was, we are glad you were able to enjoy more of your Island than ever before, including the new round-Island esplanade, 8 more acres of park space at Picnic Point, and more creative, quality events.

But all this progress hasn't happened by accident. Support from our members this year has helped make great strides in the Island's progress. We write to you today to ask for your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to Governors Island Alliance in support of our advocacy and public programs.

Since 1995, Governors Island Alliance has worked to ensure that New Yorkers and their friends and family have the opportunity to visit this unique and wonderful place. We sponsor public programs like the Folks on the Island concerts and our opening day Family Festival. We reach out to Island visitors and use their feedback to help improve your Island experience year after year. We work with students and volunteers to improve the Island and stretch public resources, and to create public programs. Most importantly, we let City, State, and federal officials know how special Governors Island is to people like you.

Last year at this time, it was uncertain whether Governors Island would open at all due to the tough economic climate. But thanks to the Alliance's "Keep the Island Afloat" advocacy campaign, public officials recognized the many people who cared about the Island and its historic buildings, and 2009 became our most successful season ever - with more than double the number of visitors of 2008. The Alliance also helped secure the funding needed to rehabilitate and open key Island resources: Yankee Pier, a new destination for historic and other ships; and Castle Williams, the 1811 fort at the heart of the Island's National Park. We also joined with the Harbor School to celebrate the rehabilitation of the historic hospital building for their public high school - the Island's first tenant.

But in order to sustain this exciting momentum, we need your support. We encourage you to consider becoming a member of the Governors Island Alliance.

Members of the Alliance are invited to private on-Island events and receive special briefings on recent Island developments. There are opportunities for special acknowledgment on our website, annual report and all our summer Island materials.

Being a member of Governors Island Alliance means you are playing a vital role in the ongoing preservation of the National Monument and other nationally significant historic buildings, the creation of over 110 acres of parkland, and the renewal of one of New York's greatest public resources.

Support from Island friends like you is more important than ever in difficult economic times like these, when parks and historic buildings are most often left out of City, State, and federal budgets. We need your help to keep our elected officials on track, to run our volunteer and intern programs, and to produce the free public programs that bring so many faces to Governors Island in the summer.

That's why we hope you'll lend your support by joining the Governors Island Alliance today. Simply mail or fax us our membership card or contribute online through our secure website.

One of things we enjoy most is taking first-time visitors out to the Island. The most jaded New Yorker is taken aback by the Island's beauty, history, and incredible potential. We know that you too appreciate Governors Island for all these qualities. Please take the time to make it truly yours by joining the Alliance as a contributing member. You will be a wonderful addition to our family at a time when we need your help most. We hope to hear from you soon.

See you on the Island,

Ken Fisher            Robert Pirani
Chair                    Executive Director

Posted by Elizabeth on December 10, 2009 9:40 AM | Permalink

Successful Summer Comes to a Close

Posted by Elizabeth on October 13, 2009 4:18 PM | Permalink

Special VIP Tour Added for Thursday, Oct 8 Party

To get you into the Swing of Fall, we've added a
special VIP tour of the Island. Come see the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School's brand new high school building with founder Murray Fisher. You'll also have a chance to check out the new eco-dock at Pier 101, the historic forts and beautiful fall-colored parks.

RSVP for the tour

Dance, drink and celebrate with us as we close out the summer season with a bang!

RSVP for the party

Posted by Elizabeth on October 5, 2009 4:07 PM | Permalink

Get Into the Swing of Fall: The Details

Thursday, October 8, 5:30 - 8 pm
Water Taxi Beach, Governors Island
$25 - Includes one free drink, transit, dancing and live music from the Stumblebum Brass Band

Boats depart the Battery Maritime Building at 5:15, 5:45 and 6:15 pm

RSVP to Elizabeth, call 917 546 4304, or RSVP online

Don't miss it! It's your last chance to party at the beach
with us until May 2010!

Posted by Elizabeth on October 2, 2009 9:51 AM | Permalink

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

Governors Island has become New York's newest hot spot - at sea level, at least, so as not to ignore the High Line - and we'll all be sorry to see it close after Columbus Day. It's been a tremendous summer, with over 240,000 visitors, a new picnic grounds with stunning up-close views of Lady Liberty, a popular esplanade circling the perimeter and an infinite variety of free events within it.

The Alliance and the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School are throwing a beach party on Thursday, October 8, to celebrate the arts and educational groups that made the season such a success. Toast your favorites - artists, performers, teachers and waterfront volunteers - watch a sunset over the water one more time and enjoy live music by New York's own Stumblebum Brass Band on the new Water Taxi Beach.

RSVP here.

Continue reading "Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall! " »

Posted by Elizabeth on September 29, 2009 4:09 PM | Permalink

Get into the Swing of Fall - on Facebook!

Planning on coming to our "Get Into the Swing of Fall" beach party October 8th? RSVP on Facebook! Invite your friends and family! Kids under 12 are free.

Click here to go to the Facebook group.

Posted by Elizabeth on September 29, 2009 12:10 PM | Permalink

Closing Reception: 4heads Collective

Posted by Elizabeth on September 22, 2009 11:39 AM | Permalink

National Parks Week on GI

Join the National Parks Conservation Association in celebrating our nationals parks this upcoming week. There will be many events all over the city, two of which are on Governors Island - with the Children's Museum for the Arts and the National Park Service.

Check out the week-long schedule here.

Feel Free is an attitude, an ambition and an invitation. Feel Free is a belief that the National Parks should be well funded, broadly and enthusiastically visited, respectfully experienced and cherished for the national treasures they are. Feel Free is the momentum to restore the parks in time for their 100th anniversary, 7 years from now. Feel Free is impassioned advocacy and successive opportunity.

Feel Free is now: It's time to take in the scenery. www.feelfree.org

Posted by Elizabeth on September 18, 2009 4:56 PM | Permalink

Countdown for Dutch Festival

New Island Festival activities are endless, but the festival is not. It ends on Sunday, September 20. Direct from Holland, watch circus acts and daredevil stunts or comedy and improv, hear classical music in the park, take in dance performances by some of the Netherlands most prominent contemporary choreographers...or peer into the Island's past at the archeological dig. The festival is alive until midnight every night.

The full program is available here. The ferry schedule for each day is here.

Posted by Elizabeth on September 18, 2009 4:07 PM | Permalink

Kites and Flights on Governors Island

GIA distributed 100 mini Mighty Kites at a reading of Touching the Sky by co-authors Trish Marx and Louise Borden on Sunday, September 13.

Posted by Elizabeth on September 18, 2009 4:00 PM | Permalink

Cinema al Fresco September 17

Click here for the full-sized poster

Join us this Thursday evening, September 17, for "Zombie Honeymoon"at Water Taxi Beach. The film will start just after sundown, around 7:30 pm. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Seating is first-come first-serve so get there early with your blankets and folding chairs!

Ferries depart from the Battery Maritime Building every 20 minutes beginning at 4 pm. You can see the full ferry schedule here.

If you have questions, call Elizabeth at 917-546-4304.

Movie synoposis

Posted by Elizabeth on September 14, 2009 11:04 AM | Permalink

Get into the Swing of Fall

For full event invitation, click here

Join us for a final summer event to celebrate a successful
year and to honor our programming and educational partners

October 8, 5:30 - 8 pm
Water Taxi Beach
$25

To RSVP, click here

Posted by Elizabeth on September 1, 2009 11:00 AM | Permalink

Let's Go Fly a Kite - September 13

Mighty Kite flying on the Parade Grounds last weekend

The first 100 children who come to a reading of Touching the Sky on September 13 will receive a free pocket-sized Mighty Kite of their very own.

Join us in Building 4B in Nolan Park at 12:30 on Sunday, September 13

Posted by Elizabeth on August 25, 2009 3:06 PM | Permalink

Zombie Honeymoon: In Sickness and in Health...

Click here for the full poster

Join the Governors Island Alliance and partners Slamdance Film Festival and Post Factory FilmsNY for an evening of cinema al fresco at Water Taxi Beach September 17.

Zombie Honeymoon
Written and Directed by Dave Gebroe, run time 83 minutes

We'd like to thank our partners and sponsors in this project:

Water Taxi Beach, Governors Island       Liberty Event Management
Angel Orensanz Foundation, Inc.      
The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy/ENVIROMEDIA MOBILE     
Hint Water

Click through for the movie description.

Continue reading "Zombie Honeymoon: In Sickness and in Health..." »

Posted by Elizabeth on August 21, 2009 11:37 AM | Permalink

Learn about - and fly your own - kites on September 13

      

The first 100 children who come to a reading of Touching the Sky on September 13 will receive a free pocket-sized Mighty Kite of their very own. Touching the Sky is a charming work of historical narrative, telling the story of Wilbur Wright's first flight over water, launched from Governors Island, and Orville's groundbreaking flights on an early tour of Europe. Selected as one of Booklink's Best Books for Children in 2003, it describes, in imaginative and colorful detail, the brothers' historic invention, small and light enough to get off the ground, but stiff and strong enough to support their weight, as well as the skill it took them to maneuver it in the air. These tricky aerodynamics, necessary to keep them airborne, are also described in GIA's About Kites exhibit, in Building 4B in Nolan Park through September 27.

Co-authors Trish Marx and Louise Borden are seasoned writers of children's books. Ms. Marx's includes Echoes of World War II and Everglades Forever, and more than a dozen others with topics ranging from world history to the environment. Many of Ms. Borden's works are historical non-fiction, but they also include heartfelt stories about elementary school kids, with examples drawn from her own experience in the classroom.

Join us in Building 4B in Nolan Park at 12:30 on Sunday, September 13, to hear them read from Touching the Sky.

Posted by Elizabeth on August 17, 2009 10:09 AM | Permalink

Summer 2009 Calendar and Ferry Schedule

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 4:54 PM | Permalink

A Tomato Plant Grows in Picnic Point

And not just one.

Added Value, the nonprofit with a model farm in Red Hook, has started a slightly larger one - three acres - in Picnic Point. The first planting, in June, included hot season crops like eggplant, peppers and, of course, tomatoes. They have also planted cover crops to improve the soil. Come fall they will plant for the winter - garlic, perennial herbs, flowers - and will start planning for livestock - bees, chickens, maybe sheep or goats.

Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks volunteers planted vegetables
at the Added Value farm on the Island in June / Photo by GIA

Continue reading "A Tomato Plant Grows in Picnic Point" »

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:48 AM | Permalink

Kites: Past, Present and Possibilities

Kite-flying fun during last summer's Free Bike and Kite Day / Photo by GIA

Earthlings have always wanted to fly, but long before there were airplanes and space ships to fly in, they flew kites. The Smithsonian Institution has packaged kite history, shapes and possibilities in a traveling exhibit now showing on an island near you. The exhibit, sponsored by the Alliance and the Drachen Foundation, is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Building 4B, next to the Admiral's House in Nolan Park.

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:42 AM | Permalink

Follow the Clues to Island History

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:40 AM | Permalink

A Reminder Why We Matter

It's been a wonderful summer on the Island. But the record crowds and terrific programs don't tell the whole story.

On July 24, the New Settlement's Bronx Helpers program brought 55 kids out for a day of reflection and relaxation. This non-profit community organization - dedicated to leadership development, civic engagement and community service for teens - was looking for an easy way to recharge their batteries.

Bronx Helper sniffs flowers in the FIGMENT sculpture garden / Photo by New Settlement's Bronx Helpers

Continue reading "A Reminder Why We Matter" »

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:36 AM | Permalink

City of Water Day Sets New Record

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:30 AM | Permalink

Lessons in Greening

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:23 AM | Permalink

Update: New Island Festival

Posted by Elizabeth on August 12, 2009 11:21 AM | Permalink

Reading All About It: August 8

Ann Buttenwieser will read from her forthcoming history of the Island on Saturday, August 8, in the Admiral's House at 12:30. Buttenwieser, well known for her efforts to enliven the harbor, was recently named to GIPEC's board of directors. Her book, Governors Island: The Jewel of New York Harbor, is due in the fall.

Read more reviews.

NOTE: Saturday, August 8, is also the first day of the National Monument's Civil War Weekend.

Posted by Elizabeth on August 4, 2009 3:12 PM | Permalink

Garden Party Success

Photo by Zara Fernandes, GIA Young Professionals Member

On Sunday, GIA had a successful garden party in the Admiral's House in Nolan Park. Guests enjoyed the Judy Collins Folks on the Island concert in the early afternoon, and they joined other GIA members for champagne and food. This summer, our GIA fundraisers have raised almost $20,000 for public programs and advocacy work for the Island. We thank our members and our generous sponsors for their help in making these events possible!

Posted by Elizabeth on July 28, 2009 9:32 AM | Permalink

Join us this Sunday, July 26 for a Garden Party

There's still time to reserve your tickets to GIA's Garden Party this Sunday, July 26!

RSVP here

We will also accept cash or check payments at the door.

The Judy Collins concert on Colonels' Row begins at 2 pm. Ferries depart from the Battery Maritime Building every 30 minutes, and from the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn every 20 minutes.

Seating on the lawn is first-come first-served - we suggest arriving by 12:30 pm to reserve your spot on the grass.

And don't try to fight the post-concert crowds on the 4 pm boat - Join us for a drink in the Admiral's House! Enjoy champagne and light hors d'oeuvres with other Island enthusiasts from 4 - 6 pm in Nolan Park.

Posted by Elizabeth on July 23, 2009 4:24 PM | Permalink

Double Bill on the Island July 26: Judy Collins and a Garden Party

Click for larger version

Come to the Island on Sunday, July 26, for what promises to be a memorable performance by folk music icon Judy Collins, find a place on the grass in Colonels' Row for the start of the third annual series of Folks on the Island concerts presented by Trinity Wall Street and the Alliance. Then celebrate the Island's architectural beauty with fellow Alliance members at a party in the historic Admiral's House in Nolan Park. Relax, sip champagne, feast (lightly) on hors d'oeuvres, enjoy the shade and share the afternoon with friends, family, and other who love our Island. The concert is at 2. The garden party starts at 4.

RSVP here

All funds raised by these events go towards free public programs on the Island and the Alliance's advocacy work. Sponsorships are available.

Keep in touch with the Alliance on Facebook and twitter (@govisalliance). You can also e-mail Elizabeth with any questions. For directions and ferry times, visit govisland.com.

Posted by Elizabeth on July 14, 2009 4:20 PM | Permalink

Roomy Beach; River Views

 

Celebrating the Grand Opening on July 10 / Photo by GIA

The Water Taxi Beach is open. With 300 tons of freshly imported sand, it has transformed the northern end of the Island from a parking lot to an urban seashore. It opened officially for frolic (and five-figure fund-raising!) under a perfect blue sky on the evening of Friday, July 10.

Following on the inauguration of Picnic Point at the southern end last month, the beach is yet another new addition to the Island's historic attractions and its matchless setting. It is the third beach that water taxi entrepreneur Tom Fox has created, and easily the most spectacular.

GIA chairman Ken Fisher awards special GIA crown of
gold to beach creator Tom Fox / Photo by GIA

The July 10 opening raised $10,000 for the Alliance's programs on the Island and its work promoting the open spaces. The event was co-sponsored by the Alliance and Emerging New York Architects, the young professionals group of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Continue reading "Roomy Beach; River Views" »

Posted by Elizabeth on July 14, 2009 3:23 PM | Permalink

City of Water Day, July 18

Posted by Elizabeth on July 14, 2009 3:20 PM | Permalink

Yankee Pier is Back

Posted by Elizabeth on July 14, 2009 3:15 PM | Permalink

Volunteer!

Posted by Elizabeth on July 14, 2009 3:14 PM | Permalink

Boat Instructions for Water Taxi Beach Party July 10, 2009

Boats depart from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street at the corner of Whitehall Street) every 30 minutes starting at 5:30 pm. Boats will return to Manhattan at 6:45, 7:15, 8 and 8:30 pm.

RSVP here

Tickets will be sold at the door for purchase with cash or check.

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Elizabeth on July 10, 2009 1:33 PM | Permalink

Progress on Water Taxi Beach!

The parking lot that used to be home to Olafur Eliasson's waterfall is undergoing a major facelift. Water Taxi Beach, Governors Island is on its way to completion! Check out the beach's progress - the sand has arrived!

Don't forget to RSVP for the 2-hour Happy Hour on July 10, from 6 - 8 pm.

 

Posted by Elizabeth on June 29, 2009 10:35 AM | Permalink

Two Exciting Events on Governors Island This Summer

This summer, two special events will take advantage the Island's most enticing spots, one brand new, the other dating back to pre-Civil War years. Next week, join the Governors Island Alliance in welcoming a one of the newest crowds of Island-goers - the young professionals - and the Island's newest tenant, Water Taxi Beach. And later in the summer, after what promises to be a riveting performance by folk music icon Judy Collins, celebrate the Island's architectural beauty with fellow Alliance members for a Garden Party in the historic Admiral's House in Nolan Park.

Water Taxi Beach Grand Opening
July 10, 6 -8 pm
Includes 2-hour Happy Hour
RSVP Here

GIA Garden Party in the Admiral's House
July 26, 4 - 6 pm
Includes light refreshments
RSVP here

For more information, contact Elizabeth.

Continue reading "Two Exciting Events on Governors Island This Summer" »

Posted by Elizabeth on June 26, 2009 2:21 PM | Permalink

Beach Party July 10 6-8 pm

The Alliance invites you to a grand opening reception for the Island's newest hot spot, Water Taxi Beach, on Friday, July 10. A happy hour from 6 to 8 will feature a gorgeous sunset (we hope) and incomparable harbor views (we promise). Be among the first to explore this all-new café and performance space.

 

Continue reading "Beach Party July 10 6-8 pm" »

Posted by Elizabeth on June 24, 2009 10:17 AM | Permalink

The Dutch are Coming! The Dutch are Coming!

Posted by Elizabeth on June 24, 2009 10:07 AM | Permalink

Brooklyn Ferries, To and Fro

Flood-tide below me! I see you face to face!
Clouds of the west--sun there half an hour high--I see you also face to face.
     Walt Whitman, Crossing Brooklyn Ferry

There are far fewer ferries criss-crossing the harbor now than in Walt Whitman's day, and until now there have been none connecting the 400 yards between Brooklyn and the Island. More than one-quarter of last year's visitors to the Island came from Brooklyn, and they all had to come via Manhattan. This summer, for the first time, two services will offer direct crossings - GIPEC's free rides on NY Waterway ferries from the Fulton Ferry landing on Saturdays when there is a scheduled event on the Island, and New York Water Taxi's supplementary service for events at the Water Taxi Beach.

Photo by Flickr/jag9889

Continue reading "Brooklyn Ferries, To and Fro" »

Posted by Elizabeth on June 24, 2009 10:03 AM | Permalink

The Biggest, Bestest Opening Day

Opening day 2009 - Saturday, May 30 - drew a single-day record of 7,876 visitors to the Island. The waiting line for the ferry stretched out the door of the Battery Maritime Building and at times all the way to the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Hundreds of children came out with their families for the Alliance's fourth annual Family Festival - and, surely some of them, to have a peek at Prince Charles who played in the afternoon Veuve Cliquot polo match.

Friends and family did arts and crafts at the Goldman Sachs Community Teamworks activities station
Photo by GIA

Continue reading "The Biggest, Bestest Opening Day" »

Posted by Elizabeth on June 24, 2009 9:59 AM | Permalink

Creating Creative Creations

Lawrence Weiner, AT THE SAME MOMENT, commissioned by Creative Time
Photo by GIA

Creative Time, the folks who brought David Byrne's music machine to the Battery Maritime Building last year, are swarming the Island this summer with "site responsive" public art, including this imaginative greeting at the BMB's ferry dock. They call it PLOT09: This World and Nearer Ones. It's everywhere, indoors and out, with works by artists from near and far. Free and open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Posted by Elizabeth on June 24, 2009 9:51 AM | Permalink

Experts Spill Their Beans

Posted by Elizabeth on June 24, 2009 9:28 AM | Permalink

Join us for our first-ever Happy Hour: July 10, 6 - 8 PM

RSVP now! Buy your tickets

On Friday, July 10th, Governors Island Alliance will host our first reception of the summer at the Island's newest hot spot: Water Taxi Beach.

 

Join us at the grand opening celebration for the Island's newest tenant, Water Taxi Beach, where GIA will bring Island enthusiasts together for a happy hour to enjoy music, the sunset and the views. You can be one of the first to explore Water Taxi Beach's innovative café and performance space, and its extraordinary views of the Harbor and Lower Manhattan.

 

The event is being produced in partnership with the AIA NY's young professionals group, the Emerging NY Architects. The evening will be a great networking opportunity for young design and real estate professionals city-wide.  

 

Details about the boat ride to the Island will follow soon, so stay in touch.

RSVP now! Buy your tickets

 

 

Posted by Elizabeth on June 9, 2009 4:22 PM | Permalink

Brooklyn Ferry Service begins Saturday, June 6!

Posted by Elizabeth on June 5, 2009 3:49 PM | Permalink

What's New?

Posted by Elizabeth on May 21, 2009 1:23 PM | Permalink

Opening Day: Family Fun and Discovery

Come celebrate opening day at the fifth annual Family Festival on May 30. Music and live performers, arts and crafts, maritime lessons and oysters will fill the day, and it's all free.

New this year is a befuddled clown, Dr. Ima Confused, courtesy of the Big Apple Circus and its wonderful Clown Care Program. Returning are the musical Hudson River Ramblers, exploring America's 'First River' in story and song. The Arm of the Sea Theater will present Mutual Strangers, depicting Henry Hudson's historic encounter with the New World through live music and mask-and-puppet theater. Yet another new clown, Loony Toony, brings juggling and magic and a giant bubble to climb in. Two closing acts will raise the noise level with 50's bluegrass, rock, retro-pop and honky tonk: The Jeff and Vida Band, returning for year two, and Mad Tea Party, a new group. Full details and performance times are available on a separate flyer .

Sailors of the Half Moon, "Mutual Strangers" / Photo by Elijah Vanaver

Continue reading "Opening Day: Family Fun and Discovery" »

Posted by Elizabeth on May 21, 2009 12:56 PM | Permalink

Breeding Bivalve Filters

Governors Island has a flupsy! The Alliance's summer intern, Elias Schewel, helped partners NY / NJ Baykeeper and the New York Harbor School deliver the first one in the harbor to its site a few meters off of the Island.

A flupsy is a critical piece of shellfish farming equipment, allowing very young mollusks, or "seed," to be cultured at a higher density and speed than they would be under natural tidal conditions. "Flupsy" is not some colorful waterfront term, but a compression of its full name: Floating Upweller System. Most of its workings happen under water; above the water line it just looks like a floating dock.

FLUPSY / Illustration by Jeff Ferzoco

Continue reading "Breeding Bivalve Filters" »

Posted by Elizabeth on May 21, 2009 12:50 PM | Permalink

Third Summer of FIGMENT Creativity

Posted by Elizabeth on May 21, 2009 12:43 PM | Permalink

Park Preview this Week; Fun and Games this Summer

The chief architect of the Island's future parkland, Adriaan Geuze, will make a public progress report this Friday evening, open to all who want to hear the state of the plan. The program runs from 6 to 8 at the Center for Architecture, on LaGuardia Place just south of Washington Square.

Five weeks and one day later - on Saturday, May 30 - another open season on the Island begins with another Family Festival sponsored by the Alliance and enough new open space to make the Island seem a new place. Not least, there's a grassy eight-acre clearing at the south end and two miles of open Promenade around the Island's circumference.

Continue reading "Park Preview this Week; Fun and Games this Summer" »

Posted by Elizabeth on April 22, 2009 2:56 PM | Permalink

Restoring the Urban Oyster

Live Oysters
Photo courtesy of the River Project
Many have said that New York was born on the water. One could also say its first meal was an oyster.

Oyster reefs once covered 350 square miles of the New York / New Jersey Harbor Estuary supporting an extensive commercial fishery that sent New York all over the world. The dense population of bi-valves filtered the harbor's waters, removing silt and pollutants, helping the estuary's other marine life to survive, but over time, pollution and over-harvesting caused a drastic decline. Though the health of the estuary's waters continues to improve, most areas remain closed to shellfish harvesting.

Continue reading "Restoring the Urban Oyster" »

Posted by Elizabeth on April 22, 2009 2:48 PM | Permalink

Parks Advocacy Day: May 19

Posted by Elizabeth on April 22, 2009 2:31 PM | Permalink

America 2050: Building the Next Economy

Things changed last year. We moved to a different economy and a different president. As the years unfold, 2008 may be remembered as a pivotal one, like 1929, 1941 or 1968, where times changed, and the country grappled with those changes either successfully or unsuccessfully.

Our region's leaders can - and have previously - helped guide America through such challenging times. This year's Regional Assembly will be a part of making that happen. On Friday, April 17 at the Waldorf=Astoria, RPA will host the 19th annual Regional Assembly, titled "America 2050: Building the Next Economy," a full day of workshops, conversation and collaboration with the goal of building consensus and understanding solutions to repair our tattered economy.

Sign up today

Posted by Elizabeth on April 13, 2009 1:04 PM | Permalink

Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan: On the Drawing Board

A West 8 Team design update, presented by Adriaan Geuze:

Friday, April 24, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place
(between Bleecker & West 3rd St)

Adriaan Geuze, founder of West 8, will present the West 8 team's design ideas for the Governors Island Park and Public Space master plan. Geuze will discuss the work in progress, and explore various design concepts for the future park. The park and public space master plan will be completed later this spring and will be unveiled to the public in late May.

Co-sponsored by the American Institute of Architects - New York Chapter; American Society of Landscape Architects - New York Chapter; the Architectural League of New York; and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation.

RSVP here.

Posted by Elizabeth on March 24, 2009 10:26 AM | Permalink

GIA on Facebook!

Posted by Elizabeth on March 19, 2009 5:11 PM | Permalink

FDNY Closes Firehouse

Photo by Downtown Express / Jefferson Siegel
Lower Manhattan residents, local leaders and Alliance
members rallied outside Engine 4 firehouse in January.
FDNY cuts reduced its hours and shut the Island firehouse.

The 14 city firefighters based on the Island are gone, extinguished by budget cuts. The Fire Department says that this and reduced hours at four downtown Manhattan firehouses, will save $8.9 million a year.

The Alliance, in a January 7 letter to Mayor Bloomberg, called it "a shortsighted move that may place [Island] workers, public visitors and recently rehabilitated historic landmarks at risk." Moreover, the letter said, it may violate the responsible stewardship that the city and state pledged when they took back the Island from Washington's control.

Continue reading "FDNY Closes Firehouse" »

Posted by Elizabeth on March 19, 2009 3:40 PM | Permalink

Turnover in Command at National Monument

Posted by Elizabeth on March 18, 2009 3:45 PM | Permalink

Legislators Rally for Island Funds

The Alliance and a star cast of public officials rallied on the steps of City Hall last Friday to "Keep the Island Afloat!" - an appeal to Albany to kick in its share of funds for Island operations.

Sporting orange life jackets loaned by New York Water Taxi and the New York Yacht Club, standing inside a huge pink inner tube from FIGMENT, the demonstration was infinitely more colorful than most that take place on those steps. For most of an hour, speakers and sign-bearers deplored the absence of operating funding in Governor Paterson's proposed budget for the 2010 fiscal year. Absent those funds - for summer programs, upkeep, mundane housekeeping and, not least, the ferry - the Island might have to be closed to visitors.

Continue reading "Legislators Rally for Island Funds" »

Posted by Elizabeth on March 5, 2009 1:26 PM | Permalink

Come Rally at the "Keep the Island Afloat" News Conference!

Posted by Elizabeth on February 26, 2009 12:53 PM | Permalink

Following the Action: Keep the Island Afloat Campaign

Posted by Elizabeth on February 20, 2009 2:57 PM | Permalink

Keep Governors Island Afloat!

Your help is needed to keep Governors Island afloat in the economic storm.

Now is your time to speak out. Send the Governor a postcard asking him to keep the Island open to the public and maintain its historic buildings. Without Albany's commitment by April 1, the Island may be shut down. The Governor and other elected leaders need to know that Governors Island is your Island, and that you care.

Here is what's happening:

GIPEC depends on matching operating funds from the State and the City. The Alliance requested $7.4 million from each for the 2009-2010 fiscal year that starts July 1, 2009 - money to run the ferry, open the Island to the public, pay contractors to tend the buildings and maintain the landscape. The combined $14.8 million would be about 10 percent less than the Island got this year.

The Governor's proposed state budget includes no operating money at all. Without it, the City will not provide a match in its own budget. The State budget is due April 1; the City's is not due until July 1.

GIPEC has indicated that without substantial operating money, they will shut down the Island - leaving public programs adrift and historic buildings at risk.

While we are still early in the budget process, and nothing has been decided, it's imperative that those of us who care about the Island let our elected officials know how important it is: its public parks and programs, its historic buildings and its current value and potential as an educational center and tourist destination.

The Alliance, working together with our civic coalition, has been meeting with State officials since the fall. Community Board 1 in Manhattan and Board's 2 and 6 in Brooklyn have passed resolutions supporting the requested funding. Speaker Sheldon Silver, whose lower Manhattan district includes the Island, has made strong public statements in support of the Island. We have received private indications of support from other legislators around the state as well.

Please add your voice to our efforts by sending a postcard to the Governor. You can also see our Campaign Statement for more information.

Posted by Elizabeth on February 11, 2009 9:40 PM | Permalink

GIA Holiday Party a Success

Photo by Jeff Ferzoco / RPA

On December 16, more than 100 GIA members gathered in the Battery Maritime Building to celebrate the year's success, see old friends and network with other Island partners. Guests included representatives from elected officials, community businesses and residents, preservation and environmental activists, artists, and educators. GIPEC and the National Park Service were in attendance, as well as members of design teams planning the new park space on the south side of the Island. Thanks to our sponsors: Electra Information Systems, Brooklyn Brewery, and Greene Grape.

It was wonderful to have everyone together to discuss the future of the Island as we gear up our advocacy campaign for the Island's capital and operating budget. With an expected 200,000+ visitors, new public spaces and the Hudson celebration, we are confident that 2009 will be a great year. But only with your help.

We rely on member donations to support our Island advocacy and continue our free public programming. Please consider donating to GIA if you haven't already done so this year.

Please also tell us what you thought about our party and about potential future GIA events.

Happy Holidays from the Alliance!

Posted by Elizabeth on December 18, 2008 9:56 AM | Permalink

GIA Holiday Party December 16!

Posted by Elizabeth on November 23, 2008 5:18 PM | Permalink

GIA Winter Party!

Join us at the Battery Maritime Building for our annual Winter Party.
RSVP to elizabeth@rpa.org today!

Click here to read the latest news from the GIA Chair and the Executive Director.

Posted by Elizabeth on November 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Permalink

Park Designer Speaks November 18, 7pm at Cooper Union

Posted by Elizabeth on November 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Permalink

Workshopping Days

More than 50 park planners and users, professionals and amateurs, ferried to the Island in late September to add their thoughts to planning the 40 acres of future open space. The format was six workshops staged by GIPEC on the weekend of September 27-28, and the goal was to help the West 8 design team get an idea of what they are designing the park for - what do the park's potential users want to do in this grand new New York space?
    Up to a dozen volunteers came out for each session - morning, midday and afternoon on both days. They came in great variety - landscape designers, architects, urban planners, bikers, some parents (with one youngster), a Little League organizer, a Harbor School director and four representatives of the Alliance. Most had been to the Island before, even frequently. The range of their thoughts showed the breadth of the Island's potential.

Continue reading "Workshopping Days" »

Posted by Elizabeth on November 12, 2008 4:04 PM | Permalink

Coming, Ongoing and Ebbing Events

Coming Events

The First Annual Governors Island Art Fair
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through October 12
10am-5pm Fri., 10am-7pm Sat.-Sun.
Organized by the 4heads Collectives, the fair will showcase hundreds of new works by more than 40 New York City artists together under one roof. Opening reception: September 13. Information: www.4heads.org.

Free Bike and Kite Weekend
Friday, September 19-Sunday, September 21
All weekend, visitors can borrow a bike for up to one hour entirely for free. Bikes are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Also, the first 250 visitors each day will be given a kite to fly on the Island's Parade Ground. Sponsored by Transportation Alternatives and GIA.

Mini-Golf Open
Saturday, September 27, 10am-5pm (Rain date Sunday)
FIGMENT sponsors games and a mini-tourney on its imaginative mini-mini-golf course.

Continue reading "Coming, Ongoing and Ebbing Events" »

Posted by Elizabeth on September 16, 2008 4:50 PM | Permalink

Young Alliance Membership

More than 100 new Alliance "friends" came to the Island for a get-acquainted tour and a harbor cruise on September 10. The event was co-sponsored by the Alliance and the Gotham Planning Society - an association of young planning and real estate professionals. New York Water Taxi contributed the transportation. For more information about future events, contact Elizabeth at the Alliance, elizabeth@rpa.org.

Posted by Elizabeth on September 16, 2008 3:03 PM | Permalink

What a Summer!

Posted by Elizabeth on September 16, 2008 11:56 AM | Permalink

Coming Events

Posted by Katie N. on August 4, 2008 5:32 PM | Permalink

City of Water a Big Splash

City of Water Day brought dozens of kayaks and sailboats from across the harbor on a sunny Saturday in late July to take advantage of the Island's unique location. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance and supported by the Governors Island Alliance among others, on-shore events included bird watching tours, fishing from the promenade and kayak lessons. Offshore in Buttermilk Channel there was a parade of boats with pedicabs disguised as sharks. It was a great start to what should become an annual Island tradition.

Posted by Katie N. on August 4, 2008 5:02 PM | Permalink

Folks on the Island! Round Two

Two-time Grammy Hall of Famer Janis Ian kicked off the 2008 Folks on the Island! concert series on July 5 with a program of her gutsy, introspective ballads. Slaid Cleaves, another talented singer-songwriter followed on July 12 with his Texas troubadour style.
    The series, now in its second year, is co-sponsored by the Alliance and Trinity Wall Street. It features five folk stars on five consecutive Saturdays, all free and all starting at 1:30 in the afternoon.

Continue reading "Folks on the Island! Round Two" »

Posted by Elizabeth on July 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Permalink

Other Coming Events

Posted by Elizabeth on July 18, 2008 10:31 AM | Permalink

Free Helmets

Posted by Elizabeth on July 18, 2008 10:30 AM | Permalink

Cruise Harbor, Visit Offshore Island

Posted by Elizabeth on July 18, 2008 10:07 AM | Permalink

Governors Island Alliance Cocktail Reception

Posted by Katie N. on June 16, 2008 11:40 AM | Permalink

Folks on the Island: An American Folk Music Festival

Come and enjoy the Folks on the Island Concert Series, presented by Trinity Wall Street and the Governors Island Alliance!

This summer, you will see:
Janis Ian July 5
Slaid Cleaves July 12
Bearfoot July 19
Eric Bibb July 26
Ronny Cox August 2

All performances are free, and will be held outdoors beginning at 1:30.

Click here for more information.

Posted by Katie N. on June 16, 2008 11:21 AM | Permalink

It's FIGMENT 2008!

The group that calls itself FIGMENT will bring its eclectic mix of participatory arts and performances to the Island again for the three-day weekend of June 27-29. Their successful debut last summer drew 2,800 visitors - let's call them "enjoyers." More than 200 artists have signed up to do their thing this year.
    FIGMENT invites the public to take part in extremely interactive art exhibits, live performances, fixed art installations, mixed-media presentations and workshops throughout
the island. Everything is free.

Continue reading "It's FIGMENT 2008!" »

Posted by Katie N. on June 16, 2008 10:50 AM | Permalink

Celebrate the Fourth On the Fifth - con brio

Posted by Katie N. on June 16, 2008 10:32 AM | Permalink

Explore Governors Island with a National Park Ranger

Join a Park Ranger on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
for free programs including walking tours, special lectures,
and other activities within areas of the historic district.           

                                                                                 

Programs are offered every hour at:
10:25, 11:25, 12:25, 1:25, 2:25, 3:25

                                                                                              

 Additional programming and events may be available as staffing permits. Check with a Park Ranger at the bookstore for the day's offerings or call the park at 212-825-3045. Also see the National Park Service website here.

Posted by Elizabeth on May 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Permalink

Governors Island Family Festival May 31st, 2008

Posted by Rob Pirani on May 21, 2008 12:02 PM | Permalink

Summer Events: 2008

Posted by Katie N. on May 19, 2008 7:19 PM | Permalink

Fest o' FIGMENTS

Photo by Mollyn Karnofsky

FIGMENT, the gang that put together a hugely successful one-day arts festival on the Island last summer, is planning to do it again - in triplicate. FIGMENT '08 is scheduled for three days, June 27-29. The call for talent is posted online. 
    Anyone can play. Offer an art installation, a performance, an activity or anything else that's imaginative. Last year's figments included inflatable structures, group dance lessons, tree-based art installations, roving samba bands, medieval swordplay. Get the idea?     It's basically an outdoor event. There may be some indoor space, too, but not much. Apply soonest if your project is large or has specific requirements. Projects for Fort Jay, Castle Williams or the Parade Grounds must be submitted by April 10; everything else by June 1. Click here for full details.
    In addition to all of the above, FIGMENT plans to set up a fully functional 9-hole minigolf course with holes designed and built by local artists. It seeks imaginative input for each hole, using the theme "City of Dreams."  Query minigolf@figmentnyc.org for details. Proposals are due by April 5.

Posted by Katie N. on March 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Permalink

Park Service Open House February 27

Posted by Katie N. on February 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Permalink

2009: Multi-Centennial Year

The Wright Brothers taking off from Governors Island

Henry Hudson set out from Holland 400 years ago to find an easterly passage to Asia. Instead he found America - and New York. Governors Island is one of the possible legacy sites for the quadricentennial celebration in 2009.
    Hudson explored today's Hudson River up as far as Albany before realizing that it was not a shortcut to the Pacific. He did, however, establish the Dutch presence in the New World, trading furs, beads and wampum with the natives. Fifteen years later, in 1624, the Dutch West India Company established a settlement on Governors Island, before moving to the larger Island of Manhattan.
    Next year is also an anniversary for "Fulton's Folly" - Robert Fulton's wrongly scorned steamboat. He built his first commercial boat - the North River Steamboat, later known as the Clermont - in a Manhattan shipyard, launched it on the Hudson in 2007, and two years later, in 1809, presented the city with an improved version, the Car of Neptune, that was put into service as a ferry between the city and Albany. Fulton is buried in the Trinity Church graveyard.
    While neither Hudson 400 years ago, nor Fulton 200 years ago, landed on Governors Island, Wilbur Wright did 100 years ago, during the Hudson-Fulton celebrations in 1909. With a canoe strapped to his plane as a pontoon, Wright flew from the Island across the harbor around the Statue of Liberty and back again. It was the world's first flight over water. Months later he returned to claim a $10,000 prize by flying five miles up the west side of Manhattan to Grant's Tomb.

Continue reading "2009: Multi-Centennial Year" »

Posted by Katie N. on February 29, 2008 9:44 AM | Permalink

Summer 2008: A Sneak Peak

 

Spectators at the Richie Havens concert in July 2007

The Island will be open to the public for three days every week this summer - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Alliance opens the season on Saturday, May 31, with its second annual Family Festival - games, performances, exhibits and surprises yet to be concocted. As before, there will be free ferries from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan and a Water Taxi from several points in Brooklyn.
    The popularity of last summer's concerts guarantees that there will be more this year, and likely a repeat of last year's successful Figment Arts Festival, a full day of 72 - count'em 72 - performances and displays by clowns, artists, dancers, musicians, face-painters and you-name-it. The Island is also happy to welcome back the folk concert series sponsored by Trinity Church - Wall Street and the Governors Island Alliance.
    In addition, Governors Island is one of four sites for mechanical waterfalls that will be installed in New York harbor this summer. Commissioned by the Public Art Fund and designed by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, they will rise more than 90 feet and fall from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from mid-July to mid-October. It is estimated that they will cost $15 million in private funds and generate $55 million in tourism. The other three sites are the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge, Piers 4 and 5 in Brooklyn and Pier 35 in Lower Manhattan. The Island waterfall will be next to the Soissons ferry dock, at the seawall behind Building 110.
    GIPEC is still shaping the rest of the summer program. Groups interested in presenting a program of arts or performances should get in touch with Elizabeth Rapuano at GIPEC headquarters: (212) 440-2200.

Posted by Katie N. on February 5, 2008 11:02 AM | Permalink

A Day on the Island, on Film

Posted by Jen Steinberg on November 20, 2007 11:07 AM | Permalink

Visitors Comment on Island Experience

This summer on Governors Island marked the true beginning of the Island's next stage as a great new park at the heart of New York's harbor:

· Approximately 55,000 people - a record - made the ferry crossing from Manhattan during the three months the Island was open to the public.

· Singer Richie Havens attracted the largest turnout for 3,656 fans for his concert on July 21, one of the four 'Folks on the Island' sponsored by Trinity-Wall Street and the Governors Island Alliance..

· For the first time, visitors could walk through the entire National Historic Landmark District (the northern half of the Island). This was also the first summer that the Island was open for visits on both Saturday and Sunday. Free ferry transportation was expanded with service by N Y Waterway to and from Manhattan. Water Taxi also added a stop at the Island on its ticketed route around the harbor, thus offering a connection between the Island and Brooklyn. The media caught on to the fact that the new Governors Island is news!

Continue reading "Visitors Comment on Island Experience" »

Posted by Jen Steinberg on October 13, 2007 11:20 AM | Permalink

A Secret No Longer: More and More Island Visitors

Record numbers of visitors are coming out to the Island this summer, as many as 5,000 on an average weekend. The largest one-day crowd so far - more than 3,500 -- turned out for the Richie Havens concert on July 21. http://www.governorsislandalliance.com/pdf/OnlineOffshorevol2_6.pdf

Posted by Jen Steinberg on August 6, 2007 1:01 PM | Permalink

A Day in the Life of The Governors Island Garrison

The National Park Service hosts a Civil War Weekend on August 11 and 12. Re-enactors will take you through daily routine beginning with morning exercises, a War Rally to recruit new troops and a crackling display of historic weapons. A contingent of confederate prisoners

of war will add to the reality and a recreated Governors Island Music School will liven the air.

Please see http://www.nps.gov/gois/ for more information on the day's events.

http://www.governorsislandalliance.org/pdf/OnlineOffshorevol2_6.pdf 

Posted by Jen Steinberg on August 6, 2007 10:41 AM | Permalink

Come Join the Fun, Every Weekend Through September 2

In the Pocket: New World Music on the Island On Saturdays in August, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council presents a new world music series. Concerts are free and begin at 1 pm. Visit lmcc.net/inthepocket for more information.

August 4: Antibalas with Ogans

August 11: Sweet Micky

August 18: Si*Se with Toubab Krewe

August 25: Bhangra vs. Reggae

Inna Soundclash

http://www.governorsislandalliance.com/pdf/OnlineOffshorevol2_6.pdf

Posted by Jen Steinberg on August 6, 2007 10:39 AM | Permalink

Folks on the Island Opening Draws Crowd

This summer, New York's harbor is filled with music, thanks to Trinity Wall Street and the Alliance. The Folks on the Island series, every Saturday in July, attracted almost 2,900 people to the opening on July 7- the most visitors since the Island was opened to the public three years ago. This free festival of American folk music greats is presented with additional support from WFUV radio and the Village Voice.

The Festival began with Odetta, a musician essential to the American songbook. The audience picnicked on the grass of Colonels Row while listening to her soulful renditions of folk classics "He's got the Whole World in His Hands," "This Little Light of Mine" and "The House of the Rising Sun."

The festival continues this Saturday, July 14, with Harry Chapin, a Celebration in Song. The Chapin Family and Harry Chapin's original band perform his classic songs "Cats in the Cradle," "Taxi," "Mr. Tanner" and others, while sharing stories and remembrances of Harry Chapin by those who knew him and his music.

Continue reading "Folks on the Island Opening Draws Crowd" »

Posted by Jen Steinberg on July 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Permalink

Record Turnout for Opening Day Family Festival

The summer season kicked off with the Alliance's Family Festival on June 2nd. Some 2,300 people explored the Island on bicycles (for the first time) and on foot to participate in the day's activities. You can see all the action at http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/go-togovernors-island.

The day started with an FDNY fireboat water show, jugglers, and serenades by the Two Man Gentleman Band to greet the crowds. Children (and their parents) were also entertained by songs by the Mercantillers and the Hudson River Ramblers, a special appearance by Herman Melville, and a performance by Literally Alive Children's Theater. A "Design Your Dream Park" table led by the City Lore, Hester Street Collaborative, and the Alliance let kids add their input to the design competition for parks and open spaces. This scavenger
hunt will be available all summer long. Some of the standout ideas from Saturday's workshop included the world's biggest slide, pony rides and George, a green island mascot standing 7 feet tall.

http://www.governorsislandalliance.com/pdf/OnlineOffshorevol2_4.pdf

Posted by Jen Steinberg on June 20, 2007 3:11 PM | Permalink