Governors Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Picnic Point
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 8, 2009
1. Picnic Point wayside
The area in front of you is known as Picnic Point. It was previously the site of ten, three story apartment buildings that were built in the 1980’s (sic) to house Coast Guard officers and their families. These buildings were too dilapidated for any current use, and were not built to New York State or New York City building codes. In 2008, these buildings were demolished to create this new, eight acre area of public open space for visitors to enjoy.
The name Picnic Point was chosen as the result of a naming contest on the Governors Island blog. Many New Yorkers submitted creative ideas for what the newest are of the island should be called, and Picnic Point was selected.
As you can see, Picnic Point has outstanding views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. It is the closest point of land from which you can see the Statue’s face. The area will eventually be a part of the future Governors Island Park, which is currently being designed by the landscape design firm, West 8.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2008.
Location. 40° 41.118′ N, 74° 1.582′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Governors Island. Marker is on Craig Road North north of Gresham
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Staten Island (within shouting distance of this marker); South (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Statue of Liberty Centennial Rededication (about 300 feet away); Foghorn Alley Bandstand (about 400 feet away); The Statue of Liberty (about 700 feet away); Coast Guard Housing (approx. ¼ mile away); The Coast Guard Life (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Mihiel Dock (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . . Beacon in New York Harbor. West 8 Website entry (Submitted on February 26, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, unknown
2. Inset
"Picnic Point was formerly the site of Liberty Village, 10 three story apartment building used by the Coast Guard."
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 8, 2009
3. Inset
"Liberty Village was demolished in 2008 to create more than eight acres of new open green space for visitors."
Since then, the lighthouse/foghorn has also been removed.
Since then, the lighthouse/foghorn has also been removed.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 20, 2017
4. Nearby Memorial Plaque
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 8, 2009
5. Picnic Point
The Cunningham Apartments in the distance.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 26, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
