Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash
Governors Island announces expanded ferry service from Brooklyn
The 2021 season will kick off May 1, with weekend ferry service from both Red Hook and Brooklyn Bridge Park terminals for the first time
There are few cheaper New York thrills than a sunny-day ferry ride. And now urban explorers have two reasons to rejoice: Governors Island just announced its reopening for the full 2021 season. And with that comes two Brooklyn stops—ferries will depart from both Brooklyn Bridge Park and Red Hook on weekends.
Last year’s Governor’s Island season was truncated due to Covid, and weekend ferry service moved from from Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 to Red Hook.
“We are thrilled to be able to open Governors Island for its full, six-month public season again this year, and with more access from Brooklyn than ever before,” Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, said in a statement.
This will be the year to go, too, before the character of the island potentially changes forever. New York City Council is considering a controversial plan by the Trust for Governors Island to rezone the southern half of the island ahead of developing 33 acres there. The rezoning would clear the way for a “center for climate solutions” that would include structures—retail, restaurants, offices and more—that could rise up to 250 feet, or 25 floors.
Beginning May 1, ferries will begin departing from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook on Saturdays and Sundays. Daily service will also be available from Manhattan. Ferry fare is free anyone with a government-issued IDNYC card, as well as for kids, seniors, public housing residents, military personnel, and Governors Island members. Tickets for all other adults cost $3. Tickets must be reserved in advance due to social distancing and will be available soon on the Island’s official site.
Get there soon and catch Brooklyn artist Shantell Martin’s “The May Room,” one of several public art installations available for viewing. The Jazz Age Lawn Party and the New York Poetry Festival are two events that are slated to return to the island in June and July, respectively. NYC Runs also holds five- and 10-kilometer races on the island throughout the summer.
“Governors Island is a great destination for Brooklynites and New Yorkers looking to spend time in nature, take in great arts and culture, or simply enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “The new weekend ferry service at Pier 6 and Red Hook will ensure Brooklynites of all backgrounds can take advantage of our proximity to this natural jewel.”
Correction: A previous version of this story misreported that, under the proposed rezoning of Governors Island, buildings could be as tall as 340 feet. In fact, buildings in two parcels could go as high as 250 feet, otherwise heights range from 50 to 230 feet in all other parcels.
