West 8 wins ASLA Honor Award for Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan New York, NY

West 8’s Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan has won an Honor Award in the Analysis and Planning category from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). This award honors the top parks and urban planning projects from across the U.S. and around the world. 

The 2012 Jury called the plan “Iconic. A simple, big, bold move. And it’s a cool idea to have a promontory overlooking Manhattan.” The jury of leading design experts considered 620 entries and selected 37 winners for Professional awards. In addition to the quality of the design, the jury also weighed the environmental sensitivity and sustainability of each project. The September issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine features the winning projects. Winners will be honored at the ASLA Annual Meeting in Phoenix on Monday, October 1, 2012.

The Master Plan focuses on 87 acres of the Island including the landscapes of the National Historic District, a new 40 acre park on the Island’s southern end and a new 2.2 mile Great Promenade around the perimeter of the Island. The first phase of construction on the Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan is currently in construction. Phase 1 transforms 30 acres of the currently flat south island with sculpted, undulating topography, plants thousands of new trees, and adds new ball fields and lawns, water features, hedge gardens, seating, and play features. Phase 1 also includes the rejuvenation of green spaces in the Historic District, establishment of a new welcoming gateway to the Island at Soissons Landing, and the replacement of an asphalt parking lot with green space at the historic South Battery. The goal is to complete all of these spaces in Fall 2013.

“The Trust for Governors Island is making incredible progress by creating extraordinary public spaces that New Yorkers will enjoy for generations,” said Leslie Koch, president of The Trust for Governors Island.

Full project information can be viewed at www.asla.org/2012awards. The entire Park and Public Space Master Plan can be viewed online at www.govislandpark.com.