As I listened to Leslie Koch’s lecture on Governor’s Island, I was genuinely surprised by the history she described. The island had been used centuries ago and then basically fell off the map. Only a few years ago did anyone really recognize it and begin development. Something Koch did not particularly address that I wanted to learn about, however, was how the Trust for Governor’s Island rediscovered the land and went about creating what it has become today.
Koch launched into the various initiatives that her organization has taken to make Governor’s Island an appealing attraction. Firstly, the island has been designed to accommodate bikes. This is something that I especially liked because cycling is a great activity that is extremely difficult to do in the city, and it sounds like a great pastime in warm weather. Secondly, they are installing hammocks so that visitors can relax in a nice environment. This can make Governor’s Island a nice getaway from city life. Thirdly, they are opening the island up to different organizations/businesses to host events, which is nice because it keeps things exciting and makes the island welcoming to different demographics constantly.
Towards the end of the lecture, Koch asked the audience what they would do had they been in her position and had a whole island to redevelop. People suggested amusement parks, sports arenas, outdoor movie theaters, etc., but I had a completely different idea. I thought that the island should be used for garbage. As anti-public park as that may make me, I think it’s a better option than dumping our garbage in Staten Island or paying to have it transported to other states. Governor’s Island is currently non-residential, and it seems like it’s going to stay that way for a while, so New York City should stop dumping its trash in its residents’ backyards and put it in a place where it won’t directly harm anyone.
Nonetheless, I like what Koch’s team has been doing with Governor’s Island. I still think it’d be useful as a garbage receptacle, but I think I could benefit from its current developments. I could enjoy a nice bike ride in the springtime, or go to a free concert, but the honest truth is that I probably wouldn’t. It might be nice every once in a while, and I might go with my family when they come to visit, but I don’t see it being a place where I—or anybody else for that matter—would go to regularly. As of right now, it’s too inaccessible and not worth the hassle.
Overall, I think Governor’s Island has great potential. Koch has come up with some fantastic uses for the land, and it could eventually turn out to be a great place for recreation. My only concern is when it would be ready. There are plenty of plans in motion, but it’s been years since they first started and I can only imagine how long it’s going to take before it’s complete. Koch also emphasized that the city is not funding the development of Governor’s Island whatsoever, so that could present a huge issue. In time, it could become a wonderful place, but it doesn’t seem remotely close to achieving that status at this point.
