RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
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in the indoor games halls/indoor recreation centres/leisure centres/sports centres, squash courts, hockey grounds, artificial turf bowling greens and obstacle golf
courses.
National Squad Training Centres and Dedicated Venues
In order to encourage the use of sports facilities by the National Sports Associations and to facilitate sports development in Hong Kong, the trial scheme to designate certain LCSD sports venues as National Squad Training Centres and dedicated venues for use by the associations was completed in December 2000. A total of 31 National Sports Associations had identified sports venues as National Squad Training Centres and 32 National Sports Associations had also identified sports venues as dedicated venues.
Parks Managed by LCSD
The LCSD manages more than 1 330 parks and gardens of various sizes, including 22 major parks.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest public gardens in Hong Kong, occupy a total area of 5.4 hectares that overlooks Central. They were established between 1861 and 1871. Divided by Albany Road, the eastern garden houses an extensive bird collection while the western garden, opened in 1871, is home to mammal and reptile exhibits. The botanical section is mainly in the old garden.
Despite the urban environment, the gardens provide a viable conservation centre for endangered species, and in 2001 accommodated 17 endangered species of mammal, bird and reptile. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with over 565 birds of 182 species. More than 16 of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection, which specialises in primates, has 76 animals representing 19 species. More than 750 species of tree, shrub, creeper and foliage plant thrive in the gardens. The medicinal plant collection established in 1987 and a new greenhouse built in 1993 have generated particular interest. These facilities contain about 500 species of herb, orchid, fern and indoor plants. There are continuing programmes to upgrade the animal enclosures and facilities in the gardens.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park, situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, is one of the world's acclaimed educational theme parks covering more than 870 000 square metres of land. Operated by Ocean Park Corporation, a statutory board, it is a not-for-profit organisation providing elements of entertainment, education and conservation at an affordable price.
Over three million people visit Ocean Park each year. Residents of Hong Kong as well as tourists from all over the world enjoy the facilities and services provided there. In operation since early 1977, Ocean Park has established itself as one of the major tourist attractions in Hong Kong and Asia. Apart from entertainment through thrill rides and a wide variety of shows, the park prides itself on its education and conservation programmes. More than 45 000 school children in Hong Kong visit Ocean Park each year to learn about animals through structured programmes and