For immediate release:
Monday, April 2, 2007

Contact:
Elizabeth Berberich, 212.440.2205


GOVERNORS ISLAND ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2007 SCHEDULE, ISLAND WILL BE OPEN ON SUNDAYS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
Elected officials and community advocates praise expanded hours and programming for summer visitors

Governors Island today announced its summer 2007 schedule, opening the Island to visitors on Saturday, June 2nd, and remaining open every weekend until September 2nd. In response to requests from elected officials and community advocates, for the first time ever, Governors Island will be open to visitors on Sundays, ensuring that even more New Yorkers have the opportunity to experience all the Governors Island has to offer.

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC), along with the National Park Service (NPS), will provide a variety of public activities on Governors Island for visitors that will showcase the Island’s historic past and its bright future. Summer programming will kick-off with a Family Festival on June 2nd and also includes a Saturday concert series in July and August, a cultural festival, musical and theatrical performances, and other activities that will appeal to a diverse audience of New Yorkers. For the first time, the entire 92 acre National Historic District will be open for visitors. NPS will provide tours in the District.

“I am delighted that many more people can now visit the Island to learn about its past and celebrate its future.” said Pat Foye, Downstate Chairman of the ESDC.

“Governors Island provides an outstanding and unique experience of the City and the entire Harbor District,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Dan Doctoroff. “We are pleased that an even greater number of New Yorkers will have the opportunity to visit magnificent Island at the center of New York Harbor.”

“We are thrilled to announce that more New Yorkers than ever can see all that Governors Island has to offer,” said Leslie Koch, President, Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. “We look forward to providing expanded access so even more visitors can experience the Island for the first time, visit its historic forts, homes and buildings, and see the amazing views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey that many never see.”

"This is a welcome announcement for all residents, workers and visitors to New York City and my Lower Manhattan Assembly District," said NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. "By opening Governor’s Island to the public on Sundays, we are providing much needed additional access to open space and parkland for children and families to enjoy during the summer months."

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said, "I am glad that those from Manhattan, as well as others, will be able to enjoy the Island, and learn about its unique place in the history of New York City and Lower Manhattan." With the support of Borough President Stringer, there will be a new Visitors Center in the Battery Maritime Building that will provide greater opportunities for visitors to learn about the Island.

“It has been my hope that Governors Island would open on Sundays to ensure that every New York City resident could enjoy their day touring the Island,” said City Council Member Alan J. Gerson. “I am pleased that GIPEC has worked with members of the community to make this opportunity possible.”

“The Governors Island Alliance has been working with GIPEC to ensure that the Island is open and accessible to as many people as possible,” said Rob Pirani, Executive Director of the Governors Island Alliance. “We look forward to welcoming even more New Yorkers to the Island this summer.”

“Governors Island is a national treasure in New York Harbor,” said Linda Neal, Superintendent of the National Parks Service on Governors Island. “We are hopeful that more visitors will come discover the Island’s rich history and tour the National Historic District.”

Governors Island provides New Yorkers and visitors with a unique New York City experience. With some of the most amazing views of New York City -- from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge -- historic fortifications, homes and buildings; and quiet, tree-lined green space, an afternoon on Governors Island feels like a world away but is only a seven minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan.

About Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is responsible for the planning, redevelopment and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. The National Park Service administers the additional 22 acres of the island designated in 2003 as the Governors Island National Monument. A subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation, GIPEC is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed equally by the Governor and Mayor of New York. GIPEC is working closely with the National Park Service and a wide array of constituent groups, including business, community and civic groups, to foster new ideas for development of Governors Island and to enhance the island’s role as a vital and integral part of New York City and the surrounding region. GIPEC seeks to make Governors Island a destination with great public open space and heritage tourism attractions, as well as education, conference and cultural arts facilities. For more information please visit www.govisland.com or call 212.440.2202.