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Recreation, Sport, Culture and the Arts

The department also issues and renews licences for places of amusement. In 2017, it processed 50 applications for billiard establishments, six for public bowling alleys and five for public skating rinks.

Parks and Greenery

The LCSD manages over 1,500 parks and gardens, including 26 major parks. It is responsible for planting and maintaining plants at the public parks, recreational and sports venues, and roadside amenity areas. In 2017, the department planted 2.57 million trees, shrubs and other plants, and enhanced the landscaping at about 17 hectares of park and roadside amenity areas.

Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park occupies 8.16 hectares at the former military barracks in Central District. The park, which blends modern design into the natural landscape, features flowing water as its central motif and has artificial waterfalls, streams and ponds. Its main features include an aviary, a conservatory, a sports centre, a squash centre, a children's playground, an Olympic Square, a vantage point and a restaurant. The aviary resembles a tropical rainforest in which about 600 birds of 70 species are kept. In 2017, three bird species in the aviary reared offspring. The conservatory's three sections, namely the Display Plant House, Dry Plant House and Humid Plant House, have adjustable environmental control equipment to simulate different climatic conditions for plants from arid and tropical regions. About 250 orchids representing over 30 species were featured in an orchid exhibition at the Display Plant House from October 2016 to January 2017.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, developed between 1861 and 1871, is the territory's oldest public garden and occupies 5.6 hectares overlooking Central. Despite the urban surroundings, the garden provides a conservation centre for endangered species. Ten endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles lived there in 2017. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, comprising about 190 birds of 45 species. The mammal collection consists of about 70 animals of 13 species, mainly primates. More than 900 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the garden. The medicinal plant collection and a greenhouse help to promote public interest in 500 or more species of herbs, orchids, ferns and indoor plants. An education and exhibition centre provides teaching facilities for participants in guided visits and for the display of botanical and zoological specimens.

Country and Marine Parks

Some 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area is designated as country parks and special areas for nature conservation, outdoor recreation and nature education. The 24 country parks. and 22 special areas provide extensive hiking trails, barbecue, picnic and camp sites and visitor centres. Visitors can learn about the beauty and diversity of local marine life at five marine parks and one marine reserve.

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