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SPORT AND RECREATION
During the year the United States Government donated $760,000 towards the cost of this park. At Mount Austin a start was made on the building of a pavilion in a new children's playground and at Tin Kwong Road four hard tennis courts are under construction.
The twelve bathing beaches in the urban area continued to be very popular. This year, in addition to the regular force of 80 departmental lifeguards, volunteers were supplied by the Hong Kong Life Guard Club at week-ends and public holidays. A Swimming Safety Campaign was held during the summer and there was a marked decrease in the number of swimming accidents and drownings. The first of a new type of beach pavilion, con- taining a cafe with changing rooms, first aid rooms, office and store, was built at Deep Water Bay. Construction of similar facili- ties was started at Stanley main beach.
In the New Territories the Urban Services Department now looks after 14 parks and playgrounds totalling 171.15 acres. During the year the playground at Shek Wu Hui was completed; it has two football pitches, changing facilities and a children's play- ground. Also completed was a rest garden at Tai Po Kau. A natural park of more than 150 acres at Clear Water Bay was opened. Three scenic look-out pavilions, built in traditional Chinese style, were erected at vantage points overlooking Sha Tin Valley, Kam Tin Valley and at Clear Water Bay. The first recreation ground for Tsuen Wan is being built; it will have football pitches and tennis courts. At Lok Ma Chau another scenic look-out pavilion in a garden setting is under construction. Work was completed on the restoration of Silverstrand Beach including the reconstruction of the promenade following the severe damage caused by typhoon Wanda in 1962.
During the year a special effort was made to increase the numbers of trees and shrubs planted in the urban area. Despite the drought conditions 7,644 trees and 18,101 shrubs were planted. Several new tree nurseries were established and the existing nurseries were extended in order to maintain the increasing plant- ing programme.
At the larger parks 58 free band concerts were given by bands of the police, military regiments and visiting naval vessels. The Government Stadium at So Kon Po was used on 97 occasions for football matches, parades and charity shows. A total of 5,511