RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
(Phase II Stage II), Indoor Recreation Centre and Library in Ma On Shan, the Redevelopment of Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground, Indoor Recreation Centre, Swimming Pool Complex and District Open Space in Tsueng Kwan O, Luen Wo Hui Complex, Tai Po Complex,
Beaches and Swimming Pools
Swimming is one of Hong Kong's most popular summer pastimes. In 2000, people made 10.8 million visits to the beaches, and there were 8.8 million visits to the public swimming pools managed by the LCSD. The HKSAR has 36 gazetted bathing beaches open for public use - 11 on Hong Kong Island and 25 in the New Territories and outlying islands. The LCSD manages 34 public swimming pool complexes in the urban areas and the New Territories.
With a view to enhancing the safety of children when using public swimming pools, the department has introduced a new rule that prohibits children under the age of 12 and unaccompanied by adults from using public swimming pools. In September, a trial scheme to allow the 'Octopus' card to be used for admission at four public swimming pools was implemented in order to provide greater convenience to the public.
The LCSD continues to encourage the formation of lifeguard clubs at their swimming venues. These clubs provide volunteer lifeguards to augment regular lifeguard services. By the end of the year, 23 lifeguard clubs were in operation throughout Hong Kong. As sharks have occasionally been sighted in Hong Kong waters, shark prevention nets have been installed since 1996 for the safety of swimmers at 32 of the most popular and accessible beaches.
Free Use Scheme
The 'Free Use Scheme' was introduced in November 1998 in the urban areas and extended to the New Territories in September 2000. Facilities available for use free of charge at certain designated times include the main arena and activities rooms in the indoor games halls/indoor recreation centres/leisure centres/sports centres, squash courts, hockey grounds, artificial turf bowling greens and obstacle golf courses. To celebrate National Day, all leisure facilities in indoor games halls and recreation centres and swimming pools were opened to the public for free use on October 1. Over 100 000 people used the facilities that day.
National Squad Training Centres and Dedicated Venues
In order to encourage the use of sports facilities by the HKSAR's National Sports Associations and to facilitate sports development in Hong Kong, the LCSD introduced in June a trial scheme to designate certain sports venues as National Squad Training Centres and dedicated venues for use by the associations.
Parks Managed by LCSD
In 2000, the LCSD managed more than 1 320 parks and gardens of various sizes, including 22 major parks.
Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest public gardens in Hong Kong, occupy a 5.4-hectare site that overlooks Central. They were established
409