This may be peak Governors Island. You can now adopt a hammock on the city's leisure oasis — for $150.
Sponsorship of the island's signature red hammocks, which need to be replaced each season, is one the new ways visitors can help support the former military base that's been transformed into a quirky bastion of relaxation.
For a minimum of $50, visitors can also become members of the island for the first time this year, and get free ferry rides throughout its season (which cost $2 for a round trip), a free bike rental session, first dibs on tickets for many of its events, and discounts on island vendors.
As for the hammock, your $150 donation gets you gets a certificate of adoption, as well as five notecards that feature photos of those swinging hammocks.
You can also "adopt" a rosebush for $50. And for those high rollers who want a plaque to go along with their adoption, you can spend $1,000 to sponsor an Adirondack chair or $10,000 for a bench.
There are different membership levels too. The family membership, for $100 covers two adults, and any children under 18. A $250 "stewardship" level comes with four free ferry rides for guests, as well as after-hours or early morning access to the island on select dates. The most expensive memberships ($500 and $1,000) include perks like private tours of the island's historic spots and a catered picnic for you and six friends.
Anyone who buys a membership before April 25 is invited to an early preview members' day on April 30. The island's season is launching a month early this year, on May 1, and runs through the end of September.
Also new this year, an outdoor "oyster garden" by the water, featuring beer, wine, cocktails and, of course, oysters, on its sustainable-seafood focused menu.
Governors Island is open seven days a week during the open season, Monday though Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The ferry costs $2 for a round trip.
