RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
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More than 2.5 million people visited Ocean Park in 1992, while total attendance since the park opened in 1977 passed the 30-million mark.
Built on hilly land, the headland and lowland areas of Ocean Park are linked by a cable car system, and from Tai Shue Wan entrance at Middle Kingdom by the world's longest covered outdoor escalator.
In the summer of 1992, Ocean Park celebrated its 15th anniversary with the opening of its $30 million Ocean Park Tower. The tower, part of the park's $600 million five year expansion plan that spans through 1997, is the tallest observation tower in Asia.
Seventy two metres tall and 200 metres above sea level, the tower offers a 360 degree bird's eye view of Hong Kong and the nearby harbours and islands.
In the headland thrills area, there are six exciting thrill rides. Marineland includes a 3 500-seat ocean theatre staging regular shows by the killer whale, dolphins and sealions, the newly renovated wave cove with sealions, seals and penguins, and a $40 million shark aquarium, which is home to more than 80 sharks of 20 species. In addition, a new look atoll reef exhibiting more than 5 000 fish will re-open after its $50 million renovation.
In the lowland gardens are the goldfish pagoda with over 100 species of goldfish; a butterfly house with 1 500 butterflies and a greenhouse complex. The 'kids' world' there will soon feature new rides, a creative play area, game booths, dolphins' pool, and an in-park fun tram for family enjoyment.
Water World is the first and largest water playpark in Asia. It has two main pools, three -fun slides and a leisure 'Lazy River'. Water World has attracted nearly three million
swimmers since it opened in 1984.
Middle Kingdom recreates 5 000 years of Chinese history in 13 dynasties with temples, shrines, pavilions, pagodas and palaces. Theatrical cultural performances, street demon- strations in Chinese arts and crafts, acrobatic and kung fu shows plus lion dances bring special experiences to visitors.
In addition, the aviaries are homes to more than 2 000 birds of 150 species. There are also a 'birds' theatre', a parrot garden and a new flamingo pond.
Outward Bound School
Hong Kong Outward Bound School is a private registered charity of a worldwide network of 35 such schools, providing land and sea-based training programmes for personal and professional development.
The purpose of each course is to improve the trainees' self-confidence, resourcefulness, leadership, communication skills and personal effectiveness. Trainees include employees of major corporations and smaller businesses, senior government officers, teachers, social workers, students as well as the handicapped, socially deprived and juvenile delinquents.
Training is held on the school's twin-masted training ship, the brigantine Ji Fung (Spirit of Resolution), and from the residential base in Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung, as well as the Sir Murray MacLehose Training Base, situated at Double Haven in Mirs Bay.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition by corporations that these courses are an effective team building and training strategy for older adults, resulting in a continuous increase in the demand for 'team building', 'adult challenge', and special 'contract' courses.
In 1992, the school operated a total of over 150 courses for over 3 600 trainees and more than 31 000 trainee programme days.