For immediate release:
June 1, 2009

Contact:
Elizabeth Rapuano, (212) 440-2205

Governors Island's Opening Day Attracts Largest Crowd Since Public Access Began in 2004
More than 10,000 visitors came to Governors Island for 2009 Opening Weekend

Manhattan Polo Classic featuring Prince Harry drew record number of visitors

Governors Island welcomed record crowds for its Opening Day, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) today announced. More than 8,000 visitors came to the Island on Saturday for the kickoff of the 2009 public access season. Opening Day events and activities included a polo match, Family Festival, art exhibitions, bike riding and picnicking.

On Saturday, May 30, large crowds watched HRH Prince Henry of Wales play polo in the second annual Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic. The Prince included the match on Governors Island as a part of his visit to New York City. Visitors also enjoyed the Family Festival, sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance. The polo match and Family Festival were free and open to the public.

"We are so pleased that our Opening Day drew the biggest crowd in the Island's recent history," said GIPEC President Leslie Koch. "It was a great way to kick off the 2009 season. We look forward to welcoming many more for free performances, car-free biking, art exhibitions and more."

On May 31, more than 2,000 visitors enjoyed car-free biking, picnics, art exhibitions, and free arts programs sponsored by the Children's Museum of the Arts. Visitors also saw Zvi Dance's free dance performance, White, in the Island's historic Fort Jay. The performance featured the work of renowned composer Scott Killian, and is a part of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Sitelines series.

Governors Island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 11th. The seven minute ferry ride, as well as admission to the Island, is free to the public. A full list of Governors Island events and programs, as well as an updated ferry schedule, are available at www.govisland.com.

How to Get to Governors Island
Governors Island is open every Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Island is open from 10 AM to 7 PM. Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building, on the corner of South and Whitehall Streets, in Lower Manhattan. For up to date ferry schedules and downloadable maps, please visit www.govisland.com.

About the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. A partnership of New York City and New York State, GIPEC seeks to bring Governors Island back to life, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit and commercial facilities. For more information please visit www.govisland.com.