Governors Island, a 172-acre oasis in the New York Harbor, will now be open year-round, starting this year. Previously, it was only open from May 1st through October 31st.

Through the end of October hours will remain the same (Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6:20 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.); but starting November 1st, hours will expand to 7 a.m.-6:15 p.m. 7 days a week. A rep for Governors Island told us, "We anticipate adjusting hours again in Spring 2022 when we are back in our peak season."

Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Trust for Governors Island, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) made the announcement this morning, along with the news that NYC Ferry will now serve Governors Island year-round, with a route to the Island’s Yankee Pier via the South Brooklyn Route. They will also expand "direct access from Red Hook, Atlantic Ave/Brooklyn Bridge Park-Pier 6, DUMBO/Fulton Ferry, and Corlears Hook in the Lower East Side."

Read More: The Long-Awaited Future Of Governors Island Is Almost Here

While Governors Island as we now know it—as a public space—opened in 2005, its transformation has continued over the years. Most recently, a luxury campground opened, and a soon-to-open luxury spa is now set amongst the historic buildings and natural beauty of the island.

Soon, it will become home to the city's Center for Climate Solutions.

Read More: A Rare Look Inside The Abandoned Buildings Of Governors Island

Before opening to the public, the Island was home to military families—a small town unto itself, complete with a Burger King. It also housed a golf course in the 1980s, the same decade it was the site of nuclear arms talk between Reagan, Bush and Gorbachev. In the 1950s, Burt Bacharach—at the time an army bandleader—could be found playing the piano in a now-abandoned ballroom.

Read More: Your Guide To Visiting Governors Island 2021

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine public space in this city – and now, we’re proud to keep the crown jewel of our harbor open to New Yorkers all year round,” de Blasio said today.

Plans to make the island year-round have been in the works for years, however.

“Over the past two decades, a visionary idea to put Governors Island on the map as a public destination was outlined, and today we are proud to announce that Governors Island will now be open for New Yorkers to enjoy year-round,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, noting this is a big moment for their longtime vision "to increase equitable access to this remarkable resource."