Fun for friends and families

Posted on July 17, 2008 by Betty

Last summer, we asked you to tell us what you thought about the park design competition proposals, and one of the topics you mentioned over and over again was the importance of serving families and children. You said, ” We want to see Governors Island used as a place that encourages families and friends to get together,” and “Governors Island should be a place that all families within the NYC boroughs, of all incomes, can experience.” You asked for a variety of hands-on educational activities for children, more family activities, and more oppportunities for childrens’ adventures. As we start park master planning, we will be exploring ways to do all of these things because we agree that they are really important to making Governors Island a great destination.

(Artist’s rendering of competition proposal)

Already, Governors Island is a wonderful place to bring a kid, or just feel like one! Everyone loves the boat ride to the Island, and it’s free. Kids who like to be at the front window of the first car of a subway train can try riding up high and up front on the boat. (Did you know that the ferry, the Samuel L. Coursen, has two front ends and no back ends?) Fort Jay has a really cool dry moat to explore and real 19th century cannons to discover. The Island has acres of lush green grass – sunny and shaded. A lot of people like to picnic here, walk barefoot, fly kites, run free, and roll in the grass. Bike and Roll’s Governors Island location rents many different sized bikes for family car-free biking. In addition to grown-up’s bikes, they have kids bikes, kids trailers, baby seats, “tagalong” kids tandem attachments, and bike surreys that seat up to six. They even little red wagons for dragging getting kids and toys to the perfect picnic spot. Teach a friend or child to ride a bike, or try your hand at fishing. When you are ready for a break or a treat, have an ice-cream cone or a popsicle and watch the harbor boats go by.

Please stop by the “What’s Happening on Governors Island?” exhibit in Building 110. You can tell us more about the kinds of public activities and spaces you would like to see in the future park. Even the little kids who are too young to write can leave an idea for our park designers with a handmade drawing or a rubber stamp creation. Help us make this an even better place for families and friends!

(Photo: Travis Huggett)