Ellen
Elizabeth
Leslie
Betty
Christopher
Jon
Claire
jamiemaslyn
Amy
Andres
Nina Quattrocchi
It’s official! Governors Island has ended the season with more visitors than ever. This year, more than 128,000 visitors came to the Island, compared to 56,000 last year and 26,000 the year before. Visitors came to enjoy more than four miles of car-free biking, concerts, performances, exhibitions, tours and more. The Island may now be closed to the public, but there is still a lot happening here. The design process for the future park and promenade got underway, and we want to hear what you think about these new open spaces on Governors Island. Be sure to mark your calendars for May 30, 2009 when we reopen to the public. And in the meantime, subscribe to our blog to get email updates about the design process and what is going on during our off-season. We look forward to seeing you back on the Island soon.
Filed under: Park and Public Space Master Plan, Weekend Report Tagged: | blog, governors island, park
Thanks so much for your comment, and we’re glad to hear you had a good visit.
Your thoughts about a museum for education are interesting, and you are right that educational and cultural institutions will play an important part in the Island’s future. The key to putting together a museum like the one you envision would be for someone to develop the idea into a concrete proposal for what the museum could be, what would be on exhibit, how it would operate, etc. In general, GIPEC works with organizations that have developed a business plan and are looking for space to implement it. One of the interesting things about the Island is how it seems to attract really interesting ideas, but the challenge is to figure out how to get them to happen.
By the way, did you notice the high school that is under construction while you were here? They’ll be open by September 2010. Come back for more visits and you’re sure to see more things going on, and a broader range of activity.
I visited this summer and had a glorious day. I understand the desire to offer all sorts of art and sports activities on the Island, but I am wondering if consideration could be given to setting up a museum for education on the site. I know that funds are an issue at the moment, but planning for such a project will take time. I envision this museum as a place that would attract everyone, parents, children, teachers, students and would be hands-on, with opportunities for people to learn about learning. It could also serve as a demonstration teaching center and a conference center. What do you think? It is certainly in keeping with past usage.