ENG-1974 — Page 238

17

Recreation

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WITH land at a premium in Hong Kong even the smallest plot made available for recreation is utilised to the fullest extent. Each year, and 1974 was no exception, the overall programme to provide sporting and other recreational facilities, has continued to expand, although public demand always tends to outstrip existing amenities.

The Council for Recreation and Sport, headed by the Secretary for Home Affairs and composed of both official and unofficial members, was set up in December 1973. During its first year of operation it has worked towards providing greater opportunity for recreation and sport for the general public, particularly young people, both in school and at work, in Hong Kong. Funds, including generous private donations, have been channelled through the council for the expansion of various activities.

The council has recommended the introduction of a recreation and sports scheme, to be implemented in three stages, to organise and stimulate recreational and sporting activities on a district basis. The first stage, in October 1974, included the appointment of six recreation and sports officers in both city and New Territories districts. The scheme is run by the Education Department.

An inter-departmental committee on services for youth, which is also under the chairmanship of the Secretary for Home Affairs and consists of senior government officials, was formed in November 1973. Its main role is to identify the problems and aspirations of young people, with particular attention to education, employment, group and youth activities, sport and recreation and community involvement.

The committee advises those bodies concerned on ways to expand and improve their services. In the past year the committee has been primarily concerned with the problem of 12 and 13-year-olds who are neither at work nor at school.

In June 1972, the government announced approval, in principle, of a $33 million plan to develop countryside recreational facilities. Main features of the plan are de- velopment of four major parks in the New Territories and provision of picnic areas and hiking facilities on Hong Kong Island. Work on the provision of roads, steps and footpaths, litter bins and refuse collection services, tables and benches, barbecue pits and shelters gained momentum during the year.

The parks in the New Territories will each be about two square miles. The picnic areas on Hong Kong Island, although smaller in area, will contain similar facilities. Significant progress was made in the development of Shing Mun and Lion Rock Country Parks in the New Territories and Tai Tam, Wong Nai Chung and Aberdeen picnic areas on Hong Kong Island. Countryside recreational developments have also