ENG-2002 — Page 495

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

As sharks are occasionally sighted in Hong Kong waters, shark prevention nets have been installed since 1996 for the safety of swimmers at 32 of the more popular and more accessible beaches.

All the public bathing beaches under the management of the LCSD will normally be closed in winter. However, lifeguard services are still provided at Clear Water Bay 2nd Beach, Golden Beach and Silverstrand Beach in the New Territories from 8 am to 5 pm from November to March and at Deep Water Bay Beach from 8 am to 5 pm from December to February. Shark prevention nets are also retained at these beaches during the period they are open.

Free Use Scheme

The 'Free Use Scheme' for certain LCSD facilities has been fully implemented in the urban areas and the New Territories since September 2000. Facilities available for use free of charge at certain designated times by schools, subvented non-governmental organisations, National Sports Associations and district sports associations include the main arena and activities rooms in the sports centres, squash courts, hockey grounds, artificial turf bowling greens and obstacle golf courses.

National Squad Training Centres

In order to encourage the use of sports facilities by the National Sports Associations and to facilitate sports development in Hong Kong, certain LCSD sports venues have been designated as National Squad Training Centres for use by the associations since June 2000. A total of 33 National Sports Associations had identified 40 sports venues as National Squad Training Centres.

Parks Managed by LCSD

The LCSD manages more than 1 330 parks and gardens of various sizes, including 22 major parks.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest public gardens in Hong Kong, occupy a total area of 5.4 hectares that overlooks Central. The gardens were established between 1861 and 1871. Divided by Albany Road, the eastern garden houses an extensive bird collection while the western garden, opened in 1871, is home to mammal and reptile exhibits. The botanical section is mainly in the eastern garden. Despite the urban environment, the gardens provide a viable conservation centre for endangered species, and in 2002 accommodated 17 endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with over 600 birds of 190 species. Fourteen of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection, which specialises in primates, has 69 animals representing 19 species. More than 750 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the gardens. The medicinal plant collection established in 1987 and a new greenhouse built in 1993 have generated particular interest. These facilities contain about 500 species of herbs, orchids, ferns and indoor plants. There are continuing programmes for upgrading the animal enclosures and facilities in the gardens.

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