ENG-1988 — Page 335

20

Recreation and The Arts

三

楽

MORE and more recreational facilities are being made available for the people of Hong Kong, giving them a wide choice as to how they may spend their leisure time.

They may take part in or watch the many sporting events that are regularly held, or may spend their time going to the countryside or the beaches at weekends and on holidays. Or, they may enjoy the many musical, drama, dance or other arts events that are organised.

On the cultural side, the world-class Hong Kong Cultural Centre being built at Tsim Sha Tsui at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, is due to be opened in late 1989.

As for some other arts centres, the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, the first fully-fledged community arts centre in the urban areas, was well patronised during the year. A similar centre, the Sheung Wan Civic Centre, was opened in December 1988, and planning is in progress on the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, which is expected to be completed in 1991.

Countryside

Contrary to the image that one might have of the extent of urbanisation in Hong Kong, there are, in fact, no fewer than 21 country parks in the territory, making up 40 per cent of the land area.

The countryside remains a popular recreational facility for Hong Kong's people. Parks in remote areas are popular with hikers, picknickers, campers and for family outings, as well as for people who merely seek a relaxing and slow-paced outlet from the hustle of city life.

Nearly 9 000 000 visits were made to the parks during 1988 with some 5.5 million, or about 60 per cent being recorded during the cool, dry months of October to April. This percentage is lower than the 65 per cent for the previous year, indicating a growing number of visits being made during the summer months.

The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries is the Country Parks Authority. Upon the advice of the Country Parks Board and the work of its various committees, he is responsible for the management of lands and provision of the facilities within country parks. These facilities include picnic and barbecue areas, walking trails, rain shelters, toilets, information posts and visitor centres. In addition, there is an ongoing programme to improve vehicular access which will enable park staff to deal with the two greatest scourges of the countryside - fire and litter.

Urban Council

The Urban Council plays an important role in community life by providing a wide range of recreational and cultural facilities in the urban areas of Hong Kong. The Urban Services Department, which is the executive arm of the Urban Council, manages a total open space of 575 hectares. Other than parks and playgrounds, major recreational facilities provided