66
A
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In other cases adjacent land on the hill slopes could be obtained from the Government without expropriation of leases. Such sites should be earmarked for open spaces before more land is leased for suburban or quasi-suburban building. There is much land in Kowloon which could be used for this purpose, particularly rooky ground which lends itself to the Chinese type of romantic garden design. After allowing for the widening of Canton Road, and providing level ground for games, there will be space left at Whitfield Barracks. Kings Park, already used for playgrounds can similarly be laid out as a beautiful central park for Kowloon.
4. Widen Open Spaces : the familiar concept
of a Green Belt cannot be exactly applied to Hong Kong or Kowloon but the principle underlying it certainly can. The mountain slopes, and catchment areas of Hong Kong Island can be much further opened up by Footpaths (and rendered safe for pedestrians) : the many special Look-out! spots can be properly treated for enjoyment of the glorious views. The use already made of the Peak by Tranniculaire and the attraction of Harlech weans of the leak
(without
being thought of as an access to buildings) are indications of increased possibilities. On the Kowloon side the Mountain slopes are if anything more spectacular : the military roads and Fireprotection paths might be made considerably more use of by improved cheap means of 200035. There are not only the superb views, and the remote quality of the mountain scenery, but the sudden change in atmosphere pleasant at certain seasons.
In addition to the highlands, there are the beaches which are already in organised use.
5. New Territories : The value of these for recreational purposes has already been mentioned and in connection with possible playing fields at Sha Tin : there are also the Country Club and Golf course : but in addition to these more intensive uses there is the use of this lovely cultivated land as a countryside, as well as its wilder mountain area. With changes and more frequent means of access this should increase and would doubtless call for resthouses and tea gardens : nor need there be any interferences with agriculture. There are also the coasts for weekend rest, bathing and boating : the damage done to the 'Mat huts' and more permanent beach houses will, it is hoped, soon be repaired.
6. Stonecutters Island : The possible use of this Island for general recreation is more fully described under 'Tourism'.
7. Parkway Connections : footpaths and tracks over the mountainous areas have already been mentioned, but the possibility of parkway connection, both pedestrian bisyoling, motoring, for pleasure as distinct from traffic needs, should not be lost sight of.
In the new developments at Kowloon, in the placing and planning of neighbourhood groups, there should be opportunities for leaving narrow strips of open space, intervening between the units. These may be planted and used, for walks and park strips. This may sound farfetched at this stage, but the idea can be developed and worked into a pleasant feature of urban lay-out.