For a place where real estate is king, New York City sure knows how to take the paradise out of islands… Riker’s Island is home to one of the largest prisons. Randall’s Island is home to a mental hospital and sewer treatment plant. Hart Island is home to the City’s cemetary for unclaimed bodies. And Roosevelt Island is home to depressing architecture and the horror film Dark Water. Welcome to our Bahamas!
Only one island stands apart from this sad crowd. Even though its history is wrapped up in war, Governors Island is a bucolic wonderland. Green with big trees and streets named Comfort, it’s wholesome and full of exciting potential now that the City has chosen a future public park design for the former military base. Last summer I visited the Island for the first time during the public art event Figment. They’re having it again June 27-29 and the open call for art is out until June 1. Bring your comfort art or just bring your good self to NYC’s closest thing to island fun. Shabba!
May 26th, 2008 at 6:46 am
While many individuals find the architecture of the original four WIRE buildings something from an earlier time I disagree that the island should not be a destination for fun abd relaxation.
We have many fine parks including Southpoint Park which some of the best views of Manhattan around and one of the few remaining open undisturbed batural settings to have a picnic.
Lighthouse Park on the North end of Roosevelt Island offers similiar amentities, with great views, picnic areas, and a historic Light House.
We have agreat Visitors Center as you step off our Tram which provides info regarding our many landmarked sites as well as history. How many places can speak about their past as a prison, asylum, medical training facilities and have fun with it all.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Hi Eric - Thanks for writing. I was being a bit snarky and unfair and I think you’re right. I rode that fun tram to Roosevelt Island a few years ago, but I was an uninformed citizen and didn’t realize there were all those amenities. Its history is so interesting too and you’ve reminded me that it’s ripe time I visit again and really explore!
May 26th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Thanks Candy ! When you do visit make sure you stop in the Visitors Center as it was actually a former Trolley entrance when it sat in Manhattan at the Queensboro Bridge entrance.