Adapted from original articles by Richard E. Mooney, edited by Elizabeth Case.
It was a breakthrough season at New York's new favorite park - more visitors than ever, and more things for them to see and do. But will Governors Island open again next summer?
For the first time the visitors came in the hundreds of thousands - 275,000 - more than twice what was expected. A new free weekend ferry service from Brooklyn brought 30,000 of them.
Of the breakthrough features, Picnic Point would be hard to beat - eight acres of new park a stone's throw from the Statue of Liberty. Dotted with red picnic tables, umbrellas, swing sets and hammocks, the new grassy lawn was a favorite. The two-mile Promenade circling the Island ranks right up there with it, and you missed something extra special if you didn't bike it.
Many visitors attended the Governors Island Alliance parties or ticketed concerts at Water Taxi Beach. Volunteer groups planted and harvested at Added Value's 3-acre community farm. There was bocce and badminton on Colonels Row, an African film festival, Judy Collins in concert co-sponsored by Trinity Wall Street and the Alliance, Ann Buttenwieser's new book - Governors Island: The Jewel of New York Harbor - and more than 30 of the historic buildings opened for exhibits and programs. In September, the government of the Netherlands sponsored a week of performances and spectaculars by Dutch talent, lest we forget whose explorers got here first. England's Prince Harry came to play polo last spring.
Repeat events from last year were the interactive FIGMENT weekends (and its creative mini-golf course all summer), Michael Arenella and his dreamily danceable Dreamland Orchestra, the third annual City of Water Day when thousands paddled, rowed, canoed, kayaked and splashed to the Island and National Park Service (NPS) celebrations of the Island's historic past.
The share of "out of state" visitors - from New Jersey and the other 48 - increased dramatically, with very real economic consequences. Based on statistics from NYC & Company, the Alliance estimates that the out-of-state Island visitors contributed just over $8.4 million to the local economy. The New Yorkers who made the Island part of their "staycation" plans spent millions more.
Even with all the positive Island publicity and its clear value to the region, several funding and leadership issues are unresolved. Recall that when the State budget appeared last spring, it was without a dedicated line of funding for Governors Island. The Mayor responded by offering to provide the full funding needed - provided he was given full control of the Island. (Control of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation and of funding for the Island has been shared 50-50 between the city and Albany since the Island was transferred by Washington in 2003.) In the end, thanks to the Mayor's leadership, and that of Speaker Silver and Senator Squadron, the governor agreed to include the state's share this year, bringing the total to $14.8 million. But this was the bare minimum to sustain the Island and its National Historic Landmark District through a record-breaking season.
This fall, Mayor Bloomberg has renewed his pitch for control of Governors Island, pledging to commit the funds needed to keep the Island open and to move forward with the Park and Open Space Plan. One reason for the current state of affairs is that the 2003 State - City Memorandum of Understanding, which spelled out the 50-50 deal and other aspects of the partnership, has expired. In the coming months, and hopefully before new budget decisions are made, city, state and elected leaders will need to work together with neighboring communities and civic organizations to reach agreement on how best to move forward.
There are plenty of options. What's most important for the Island is that the agreement provides for three things: clear and transparent accountability; the funding needed to move forward on the park design and repairs of the infrastructure and historic buildings; and a commitment to designate promised public spaces as permanent parkland.
@RegionalPlan
I was stationed on the Island from 1962 to 1964. When the Coast Guard departed I was sure that someone would make use of this beautiful spot. When nothing happened it seemed to be a waste. No one wanted to take the responsibility.
When the Island was opened to the public I thought that someone had finally come to their senses and recognized the potential of the site.
I visited the Island this summer with my two sons and was impressed with the activities and the enthusiam of everyone there.
I truly hope that the powers involved do not drop the ball on this one.
I would like to see the responsibility of the National Park Service on Governors Island expanded to include the old battery/Officers' Club and the Nolan Park area including the residence of the commanding officer.
Rick, you and your colleagues have a great deal to be proud of, and I hope your remarks get wide circulation and a great response. Although I got out there only once this year--for City of Water Day--I was impressed with the progress you've made, and I hope you'll be able to continue to build upon it. All best!