Addition to Recreation

Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) - LAI Sum Kay Jamie, CHAN Tsz Ying Charmaine

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some heartbreaking photos have appeared on the social media — some outdoor workers could only eat and take breaks on the streets under extreme heat as all restaurants have to be closed after 6pm. Living amidst tall skyscrapers is a prominent aspect of life in Hong Kong, which is known for its bustling lifestyle. The city's landscape on either side of Victoria Harbour is dominated by endless towering structures, creating a concrete jungle with scarce green and open spaces. This lack of natural areas can make the surroundings feel suffocating. While these buildings serve as essential homes and workplaces, the city requires more leisure spaces that can bring advantages to both businesses and the well-being of its residents, as well as the environment.

In this storymap, we'll examine the situation in two districts of Hong Kong, Kwun Tong and Yau Tsim Mong, and compare the availability and adequacy of recreational facilities for the citizens, especially the elderly and children in these areas.

Research Question

Is there a lack of recreational facilities in Kwun Tong and how to the situation can be improved?

To solve this question, we have proposed three objectives as follows :

  1. Discuss the importance of recreational areas and how it enhances the living quality of Hong Kong citizens.
  2. Review and contrast the current situation in Kwun Tong and Yau Tsim Mong on terms of the population at different age groups and the distribution of recreational areas in the two districts.
  3. Suggest how to improve the situation by giving practical examples to achieve improvements in environmental, social and governance.

Seriousness of shortage of recreational facilities

public space in hong kong

0:37-0:48

Many people are sitting along the streets on the stairs of the buildings. This is because open areas are too rare in the urban region, and there is nowhere else to sit for a break.

0:49-1:01

Many helpers love to sit and rest in parks during holidays. However, as seen in the video clip, it is very crowded and there is not enough space to accommodate the helpers.

1:16-1:21

Even though there is a sign telling people not to sit on, some people still sits on the chair. If an elderly feels really tired, what can he or she do?

1:30-1:42

People exploit public areas like the spaces under bridges which are illegal to stay in. Can the government plan some space for benches and pavilions?

Importance of recreational facilities

1. Environmental aspect

Since Hong Kong has limited green space, recreational areas can provide natural habitats for wildlife. These areas, such as country parks, wetlands and natural reserves, are home to diverse range of plant and animal species. They provide refuge for both native and migratory wildlife, helping to maintain biodiversity in the city.

In addition, recreational areas help to improve air quality in Hong Kong. Green spaces, such as parks, absorb pollutants and greenhouse gases, which helps to improve quality. Trees and other vegetation in recreational areas also help to filter particulate matter and other pollutants from the air, which is particularly crucial in a city like Hong Kong with high levels of air pollution.

2. Social aspect

Hong Kong is a densely populated city with limited space, and recreational areas provide a much-needed escape for residents to engage in leisure activities, socialize and relax.

Recreational areas can promote social interaction and community building. These spaces provide opportunities for people to engage in recreational activities and connect with others who share similar interests. For example, parks, beaches and hiking trails are popular areas where people gather and play sports.

According to the 2021 World Happiness Report, Hong Kong was ranked 75 out of 146. This shows the city has a long way to go in regards to mental health. Having more green spaces, parks and sports facilities such as jogging trails, parks would help improve this situation.

3. Governance aspect

One of the primary functions of recreational areas in Hong Kong is to provide spaces for public participation in governance. Areas like parks and public squares, provide a platform for people to discuss issues and engage in civic activities. For instance, Victoria Park in Hong Kong Island is a popular venue for public demonstrations, rallies and other civic events.

Recreational areas also help to improve transparency in governance. The development and management of recreational areas often subject to public scrutiny, which helps to ensure that they are developed and managed in a transparent and accountable manner. This is important given that the past controversies over the development and recreational areas in Hong Kong.

Examples of recreational facilities and open areas in Yau Tsim Mong district and contrast to that in Kwun Tong District

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1

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

concert hall, grand theatre / studio theatre, exhibition gallery, rehearsal rooms, practice rooms & function rooms

2

West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade (including the Art Park)

large area free space, most of the time used for picnic, jogging/cycling trail, restaurants / cafes / shops, smart bikes provided for hiring, autonomous vehicle pet friendly

3

Kowloon Park

a large public park with an area of 13.3 hectares (33 acres), two museums, Avenue of Comic Stars, Bird Lake and the Aviary, an indoor sports centre and a large aquatics centre, suitable for staging major or international swimming events

4

Cherry Street Park

7-a-side artificial turf soccer pitch, amphitheatre, grass pitches, jogging tracks/fitness trails, tennis courts, volleyball courts, children's playground

5

It is seen that Yau Tsim Mong district provides an extensive range of recreational facilities that are constructed and designed to fulfill the preferences and needs of the public. These places offer a wide range of activities that allows Hong Kong residents of diverse age range and interests to enjoy.

6

However, in Kwun Tong, a densely populated district, with a large number of industrial buildings. The insufficiency of greenery has significantly lowered the overall quality of life.

Towered by high-rise buildings and concrete structures, little room is left for natural green spaces, hence the district faces is facing obstacles in providing enough green spaces for the public.

The lack of greenery in Kwun Tong limits the opportunities for outdoor recreational activities and leisure, which can threaten their physical and mental health. It is a challenge in providing a sustainable living environment, as the lack of greenery may affect the air quality and noise level of the area.

Population

  • the population of age group under 15 years old in Kwun Tong district in 2021 was 83,257, while that of Yau Tsim Mong district was 41,355.
  • the population of age group above 65 years old in Kwun Tong district in 2021 was 81,380, while that of Yau Tsim Mong district was 36,525.
  • It is shown that the population of Kwun Tong district of the the above age groups are over two times of that in Yau Tsim Mong district. Therefore, more recreational facilities are definitely needed to provide them with sufficient entertainment and rest.

 The 2 maps show the population distribution (refer to colour) and the distribution of the recreational resources (refer to dots).  

The left shows Yau Tsim Mong district while the right is Kwun Tong District.

 The spots marked are the locations of the recreational facilities, with different colours symbolising different kinds of facilities (refer to legend). 

 As shown on the map, the recreational facilities are unevenly distributed among the densely populated areas in Kwun Tong (places with a darker shade).  

 According to the 2021 Census, there is a total population of 147,741 people aged 65 or above, which takes up 21.9% of the total population in Kwun Tong. 

 There are a total of 29 elderly centres in Kwun Tong (spots in yellow and orange), which provides the elderly with easy access to their daily needs, as well as providing entertainment from simple board games and puzzles to self-enrichment courses, which allows them to develop their interests and maintain their physical and mental health.  

 There are a total of 70,603 youngsters aged 15 or below in Kwun Tong. It is also important for them to have sufficient recreational facilities for their growth and future. 

However, as shown on the map, there are fewer resources for youngsters, including sports centres and sports facilities (spots in green and red).

There are only a few sports centers in the district, which may provide insufficient resources for their physical activities. This may result in the inclining trend of infections among the young and lead to common problems such as obesity.

With the lack of recreational facilities, children may be forced to stay indoors, which may have a negative impact on their social, physical, and emotional development.

It also exploits the chances for children to socialize with others, affecting their communication skills and mental well-being.

Solutions

What measures have other cities adopted

London, the United Kingdom

Some strategies of London open spaces include: • Maximising opportunities to address deficiencies of open space where possible, consistent with other City Corporation objectives • Ensuring that all existing and new open spaces are varied, of high quality, and relevant to the needs of the local area including, where appropriate, access to play for all • Ensuring all open spaces are designed to be safe and inclusive, giving equal access and enjoyment to the sites and activities that take place

Our suggestions

1. Build more parks and add more facilities for the elderly

More parks with appropriate outdoor facilities such as fitness stations with equipment suitable like signage, handles, handrails, knobs, and grab bars for use by elderly, Tai Chi areas with rain shelter, pavilions and benches for seating should be incorporated.

2. Build more sports ground

Athletics is a core activity, as defined by the Planning Department of the HKSAR. A sports ground can provide a platform for all age groups to participate in sports activities to develop their skills as well as improve their physical and mental health , especially in urban areas where people may feel socially isolated due to the fast-paced lifestyle.

3. Set up an exhibition centre of culture

Kwun Tong is a diverse district with a mix of cultures and ethnicities. An exhibition centre can provide a platform for the celebration and promotion of different cultures, and help to foster greater understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Moreover, it would provide a venue and opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their work and support the development of arts. It could also serve as a repository for cultural artifacts and historical monuments for future generations.

Nevertheless, these additional venues can all serve as a venue for community events, such as sports competitions and festivals, which can contribute to a sense of community identity and belonging of the local district.

Conclusion

The storymap we have presented serves as a tool to raise awareness about the diverse needs of different age groups in our society. By highlighting the importance of recreational areas and open spaces, we aim to encourage the government and various organizations to take action towards creating a better living environment for all.

We hope that this initiative will inspire more people to pay attention to the well-being of their communities and take steps towards building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Together, we can make our city a vibrant and thriving place that fosters healthy lifestyles and social connections for everyone.

"While leisure and recreation are necessary to get closer to life, you need alertness and effort to face it."