Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is City of Water Day and the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance (MWA)?
City of Water Day is the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance’s way to bring together everything about the water that is exciting and fun, from port commerce to environmental education to active recreation.
MWA works to transform the New York and New Jersey Harbor and Waterways to make them cleaner and more accessible, a vibrant place to play, learn and work with great parks, great jobs and great transportation for all.
Through our work, the New York and New Jersey harbor and waterways will be alive with commerce and recreation; where sailboats, kayaks and pleasure craft share the waterways with commuter ferries, barges and container ships; where beautiful, cared-for parks are connected by affordable waterborne transit; where there are dozens of exciting waterfront destinations that reflect the vitality and diversity of the great metropolis that surrounds it; a waterfront that is no longer walled off by highways and rails, or by private luxury residences; a waterfront that is a shared precious resource and is accessible to all. MWA is a leadership organization that will make this vision real for our region.
Over 400 organizations that make up the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance can participte and play a major role in putting on City of Water Day.
2) Why should I participate in City of Water Day?
Because the water that surrounds us is one of the most magnificent and underutilized harbors and waterways in the world.
Even if you don't paddle to City of Water Day, the sight of so many boats converging on one location in New York City for a day of fun is breathtaking.
You and your friends and family will be able to eat, relax, listen to music, participate in waterfront-related activities, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Harbor from Governors Island.
3) If I don’t kayak or row or sail, what will there be for me to do on Governors Island?
There will be many different fun activities on Governors Island: thematic boat tours, walking tours of the Island’s historic district (including the two forts and many historic buildings), fishing, a foot race, a waterfront information fair, biking including bike rental, miniature golf, a jump castle for kids, food, live music and more.
4) Is there a cost for City of Water Day?
City of Water Day is free for anyone arriving by Governors Island ferry that leaves the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan. There may be a charge for those paddling and rowing to City of Water Day.
5) How can I make sure City of Water Day continues each year?
Even though City of Water Day is free, it is requires donated time, money, and supplies from generous individuals and organizations.
If you own or represent a business and would like to be a City of Water Day Sponsor, click here.
Individuals can volunteer at City of Water day, click here for more information on volunteering.
Individuals are also to encouraged to make a donation to the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance to help us cover expenses - a suggested donation amount would be the ticket price you'd expect to pay at an event this great!
6) How do I get to Governors Island ?
Please see the menu options on the right side of this page for directions to the event locations.
7) Will there be food on the Island?
Yes, you will be able to purchase catered food on the Island and you can also feel free to bring a picnic meal if you want. Barbecuing and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the island. We recommend bringing your own drinking water.
8) I’m still not sure whether I can commit. Is there somewhere I can check for updates?
Sure! If you give us your contact info at dhenley@waterfrontalliance.org – phone, email, and mailing address – we will keep you updated. You can also call Dash Henley at MWA’s office at 212-935-9831 x109 for more information.