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Governors Island Will Reopen On July 15th
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 8, 2020
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Jake Dobkin / Gothamist
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jul 8, 2020
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Governors Island will reopen to the public on July 15th, about two months after they would typically open for the season. The announcement was made this morning, along with some changes for the Island and the ferries.
Manhattan ferries will continue to run out of the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, but the Brooklyn ferries, which are usually located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, will relocate (on July 18th) to Red Hook's Atlantic Basin.
Additionally, the ferries will be free to all NYCHA residents, seniors and select community-based organizations. "Equitable access to open spaces in our city has never been more important,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. "This summer, Governors Island will be an affordable, local getaway for New Yorkers who need it most. We’ve focused on a plan to make the Island more accessible to New Yorkers in areas underserved by parks this season."
On the Island, as well as on ferries, there will be limited capacity. This will be done through a new ticket reservation system. The Trust of Governors Island will also "launch a number of health, safety and social distancing protocols upon reopening." And yes, all visitors will be required to wear face coverings while riding the ferry, or when social distancing is not possible.
While Governors Island National Monument, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams, will remain temporarily closed, art installations will remain on view. Bike rentals will all remain available, and the Island's vendors will be open. These include Island Oyster, Taco Vista, Fauzia's Heavenly Delights, Kimchi Taco, Makina, Threes Brewing and the Meat Hook, Melt Bakery, People's Pops, Perros Y Vainas, Joe Coffee, Three Peaks Lodge, Little Eva's, Sea Biscuit, Pizza Yard, Everything About Crepes, Wings Lovers, Terry & Yahi, and Wafels & Dinges.
A good social distancing chair
Scott Lynch / Gothamist
Is it safe to travel to and enjoy Governors Island? This will largely depend on your fellow New Yorkers, and how well the Island enforces face coverings. "There is always risk, unless you're completely staying home all the time. But there are safer ways to enjoy some of these summer activities," Angela Rasmussen, PhD says. “We still don't know a lot about transmission of this virus. But what we do know is that your risk of transmitting the virus or becoming infected is much higher when several different conditions are met."
The risks goes up when you are indoors with others, when you're "in close physical proximity to other people for a prolonged period of time, outside or in," and when you and those near you are not wearing a mask.
The Island will be open daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Ferry ticket reservations will be open on Friday, July 10th at 10 a.m. at govisland.org. Tickets cost $3 for adults, children under 12 ride free, as do all NYCHA residents and seniors 65 and over. Additionally, ferries are free to all on weekends before noon.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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