ENG-1990 — Page 400

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with over 1000 birds of 300 different species. As the sale and transfer of stock between countries is becoming increasingly difficult, in-house breeding is now essential and has resulted in the develop- ment of local expertise in husbandry, aided by improved veterinary support.

The gardens also feature more than 500 species of trees and shrubs. The Fountain Terrace, reconstructed in 1985, features a large central fountain, and the landscaped sur- rounds include more than 250 species of ornamental shrubs and flowering plants.

The medicinal plant collection, assembled with assistance from the Chinese Medicinal Research Institute, has grown in size and range to more than 500 species and has generated much interest. A new local orchid collection has been established in the gardens.

In recent years, the educational role of the gardens has been developed, with numerous school and club visits.

Birds are also displayed at the newly-developed Kowloon Park. The bird lake, the largest of its type in Hong Kong, features large flocks of flamingoes and waterfowl. The enclosed aviary contains a colourful collection of tropical birds.

Regional Council Parks

There are three town parks in the Regional Council area, namely the Tuen Mun Town Park, the North District Central Park and the Sha Tin Central Park.

The 12.5-hectare Tuen Mun Town Park is the first public park in the territory with an ornamental lake designed for boat rowing. A unique feature of the park is a 160-metre water cascade which is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. Other main features include an open-air performance area, children's playground, sitting-out areas, pavilions and a skating rink.

The North District Central Park, opened in 1989, covers an area of 9.6 hectares and includes a sports hall, children's play areas, pavilions, an artificial lake and an amphi- theatre for active and passive recreation.

The Sha Tin Central Park, occupying an area of 8.5 hectares, remains very popular, with its Chinese garden features and adventure playgrounds.

At present, 350 parks and gardens are under the management of the Regional Council. New major additions in 1990 include Tsuen Wan Riviera Park, Butterfly Beach Park, Yuen Chau Tsai Park and Yuen Long Town Park.

Horticulture and Landscape Services

Urban Council

In addition to providing active recreational facilities, the council is responsible for landscaping in the urban area. It provides a full range of urban landscaping services including design, plant production, planting, maintenance and conservation. It has an important role in preserving trees, and in expanding planted areas along public highways. Every year, it plants over 12 000 trees and over 800 000 shrubs, creepers and flowering plants. The council's horticultural experts ensure that the plant species selected are attractive, robust, and resistant to pollution.

For its ambitious planting programme, the council relies on its own plant nurseries which provide about 90 per cent of its annual needs. A policy of using a wide range of plant species has served to excite the interest of an increasingly-knowledgeable public. This, in turn, has stimulated participation in the council's horticultural training courses.

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