ENG-1975 — Page 235

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RECREATION

In localities managed by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, the number of visitors in 1975 was roughly two million--an increase of some 70 per cent over the previous year. In the most popular picnic areas of Shing Mun, Bride's Pool and Pat Heung the numbers increased by 28 per cent, 44 per cent and 52 per cent respectively, compared with the same period last year. Where adequate management services are lacking, deterioration of the amenities through fire, trampling and the accumulation of litter clearly demonstrates the need for additional management services and facilities for visitors. These are being provided in stages as part of a recreational development programme, started in 1972, which is administered through the conservation and forests division of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

It is now accepted that extensive tracts of countryside-such as the Tai Mo Shan massif and the Sai Kung peninsula need to be conserved and managed as a whole, with recreation facilities to be developed at focal points within these larger areas. New legislation to provide a better legal framework for these developments is being drafted.

Meanwhile, work on the ground is continuing within the limits of available staff and funds. So far the main provision for visitors has been picnic sites, of which there are now 183. Some have magnificient views of mountains and water, while others are in more sheltered woodland settings. Amenities include tables and benches, litter bins and--wherever it is safe-fireplaces for the universally popular barbecue. Foot- paths are being improved and there are nature trail guides, maps and information boards, and occasional simple shelters against rain and sun. A start has been made. to install public toilets, but many technical problems have to be overcome at the majority of sites, particularly those within reservoir catchment areas.

Tent camping presents special problems which will only be resolved satisfactorily through the provision of formal sites. A small experimental site which has been established by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department at Pui O, on Lantau Island, is yielding valuable information on local campers' needs and preferences.

Urban Recreation

In 1975 the Urban Council spent $1.7 million on its free entertainment and recreation programmes in the urban area, while the Urban Services Department expanded its own programme in the New Territories. Some 1,100 functions were organised for more than a million people. Regular entertainment included variety shows, Chinese band concerts and operas, film shows, and Fukienese and Cantonese puppet shows.

During the swimming season, 16 swimming parties and 'swim-ins' were held at various beaches and swimming pools, and 20 launch picnics were organised for children and young people from the 10 urban districts. There were some 20,000 participants. Sports competitions were jointly organised with various sports associa- tions throughout the year. They covered football, mini-soccer, basketball, volleyball, cycling, table tennis, track and field events, bowling and judo. The number of indi- vidual events exceeded 600, and thousands of young people were involved.