Governors Island Reopens

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Governors Island Reopens
05/31/2008 09:55 AM
By: NY1 News

Governors Island reopened to the public Saturday afternoon with its fourth annual family festival.

Spotty weather didn't stop New Yorkers from attending opening day at Governor's Island.

A history-making game of polo helped draw quite a crowd.

"I think it's great New Yorkers have the opportunity to see polo so close to Manhattan," said Nacho Figueras, the captain of the Blackwatch Polo Team.

The last time a polo match was played on the island was May 6, 1940. Saturday, two teams went head to head as part of the Veuve Cliquot Manhattan Polo Classic.

It was also a first for Anne Charlotte Ferrari.

"I've never been to a Polo match before so I was very curious and interested," she said. "I know Veuve Cliquot is very stylish. I knew I would have a good time."

On the island's opening day, polo was just the beginning. Others took advantage of the open space, and soaked up the history.

The island was first settled by the Dutch in the 1600s. The British, and later the United States military used it as a facility for two centuries, into the 1960s. It was then transferred to the Coast Guard, which used it until 1995. Now the area is for the public to enjoy.

"It's beautiful," said one visitor. "I think it's a great place for families to come hang out with their kids, just to hang out. If there weather were nicer, it would be a lot of fun to hang out."

"I think it's got potential as a great destination for New York, a place for people to bike and enjoy," said another.

"I love being here with my friends," said a third.

Governor's Island will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until October. The ferry ride from South and Whitehall Streets in Lower Manhattan takes about seven minutes and is free.

For more information, go to www.govisland.com.