Governors Island park and public spaces will be rebuilt this summer

Mayor Michael Bloomberg broke ground last week on the new park and public space that will transform 30 acres of Governors Island. Phase 1 construction officially kicked off on May 24th in three areas, as designed by landscape firm West 8. Six-acre Liggett Terrace will get new water features, public art, seating, and seasonal plantings. The 10-acre Hammock Grove will turn shadier with 2,000 new trees. And the 14- acre Play Lawn will be the new play destination with two turf ball fields sized for softball and Little League baseball.

Today is a milestone for Governors Island and a great way to kick off the 2012 season, said Leslie Koch, President of The Trust for Governors Island, who joined Mayor Bloomberg and other local officials at the ground breaking. The Trust for Governors Island is committed to keeping the Island open to the public while construction on these extraordinary spaces begins. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to enjoy car-free biking, great art exhibitions and special events every weekend from now through the end of September.

In addition to the 30 new acres, Phase 1 of the project adds new welcome areas, a re-graded Parade Ground, and visitor amenities such as lighting, seating, and signage throughout the Historic District.

The event also marked the reopening of Castle Williams to the public after an extensive three-year renovation. The public can now experience the historic fort, learn about its history through new exhibits, and for the first time, experience an unparalleled view of Lower Manhattan and the New York Harbor from the top of the castle.

Castle Williams was built to defend New York City against the British during the War of 1812; it eventually became an Army prison, then a Coast Guard base. This summer marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, making its re-opening even more timely.

The islands infrastructure also will be improved this summer. Stabilization of the historic houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row will begin soon, allowing the mansions to reopen in 2013. The capital program also addresses the 2.2 miles of seawall; the electric and telecom service to and on the island; water and other utilities; and its docks.

Governors Island opened for the 2012 season on Saturday, May 26th. It is open every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday from May 26 through September 30. The island is closed on Fridays to facilitate construction of the new park and public spaces.

Visitors can take free ferries from Lower Manhattan's Battery Maritime Building or Brooklyn Bridge Park to visit Governors Island, which also include art exhibitions, performances, educational programs and food festivals. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own bike to the island or can rent one while visiting. The East River Ferry also stops at the island as part of its paid route.

The Governors Island public season brings a wide range of arts, cultural and recreational programs that are free to visitors. Some of its popular programs include: Mark di Suvero at Governors Island, the Childrens Museum of the Arts Free Island Outpost program, the Earth Matter Learning Compost Center, Figments artist designed miniature golf course, and National Park Service programs. New programs for 2012 include Graphic DesignNow in Production, an exhibition co-organized by Cooper-Hewitt and the Walker Art Center, vintage baseball games and new food festivals, like the 5 Boro PicNYC on Memorial Day weekend.

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