Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (July 3):
Question:
It is learnt that Tolo Harbour is one of the local hotspots for water sports, which is particularly vibrant on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. On the other hand, while many water sports participants embark and disembark at the public landing steps at the Pak Shek Kok promenade, the promenade lacks relevant ancillary facilities. Regarding enhancing the facilities of the Pak Shek Kok waterfront, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has plans to add shower facilities and lockers at the Pak Shek Kok promenade in the near future, so as to facilitate the public to engage in water sports activities in the vicinity; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether it has long-term plans to establish a water sports centre in Pak Shek Kok to provide water sports facilities for the public; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) whether it will arrange water sports training courses or hold water sports competitions at Tolo Harbour near the Pak Shek Kok waterfront to enhance the appeal of Tolo Harbour as a regional water sports hub; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) whether it will introduce innovation and technology and water sports elements at the Pak Shek Kok promenade, such as adding a smart park and smart fitness equipment next to the promenade; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) whether it will increase the number and types of shops and restaurants at the Pak Shek Kok promenade, and allow food trucks to operate at the promenade on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
Having consulted the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), my reply to the questions raised by the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows:
(1) Pak Shek Kok Promenade (the Promenade), managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), has been opened for use since February 2008. Connecting Sha Tin District and Tai Po District along the waterfront, the Promenade is about two kilometres long with facilities such as arbours and benches provided for public enjoyment. It also serves as an "Inclusive Park for Pets", allowing members of the public to have fun with their pets.
At present, citizens usually engage in leisure activities such as jogging and strolling along the Promenade, as well as cycling on the adjacent cycling track. Regarding the suggestion of adding shower facilities and storage lockers at the Promenade, the LCSD will take into consideration the public's views and actual needs, as well as conduct on-site inspection with relevant departments in due course to explore the feasibility of installing such facilities.
(2) and (3) At present, the LCSD manages five water sports centres on the Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories, namely St. Stephen's Beach Water Sports Centre and Stanley Main Beach Water Sports Centre in Southern District, Chong Hing Water Sports Centre in Sai Kung District as well as the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Centre and Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre in Tai Po District. These water sports centres provide the public with year-round water sports training courses, fun day programmes and competitions in sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, as well as craft rental services. A total of over 5 000 activities are provided for public participation every year.
In order to further promote the development of water sports and meet the public's demand for water sports, the LCSD is planning two water sports centres in Tseung Kwan O Area 77 and within the White Head Sports Park in Ma On Shan respectively. These projects have been included in the "10-Year Development Blueprint for Sports and Recreation Facilities" announced in the 2022 Policy Address. Among them, the water sports centre within the White Head Sports Park in Ma On Shan and the existing Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre are located in the waters of Tolo Harbour.
(4) The Government has been committed to introducing innovation and technology elements into various facilities. The Chief Executive mentioned in the 2023 Policy Address that the Government would introduce smart fitness equipment at four outdoor recreation venues of LCSD in 2024. The LCSD is currently implementing a pilot scheme which allows users to store and access personal exercise data and health information after using the smart fitness equipment. This helps users better manage their personal health, monitor their fitness and increase the fun of exercising with a view to encouraging members of the public to exercise regularly. The current trial locations include Victoria Park in Wan Chai District, Hoi Fai Road Promenade in Yau Tsim Mong District, Kowloon Tsai Park in Kowloon City District and Hoi Chu Road Playground in Tuen Mun District. The LCSD will continue to assess and review the effectiveness of the pilot scheme and consider extending its implementation to other venues.
The Pak Shek Kok Public Toilet (located near the roundabout of Fo Yin Road) managed by the FEHD is the first themed smart public toilet in Hong Kong, providing an array of people-oriented smart features and innovative technological designs, including real-time remote monitoring of the public toilet conditions, the use of Air Improvement Photovoltaic glass panels to provide partial power supply for the public toilet and the provision of mobile phone charging stations. The design and installations of the public toilet are bicycle-themed, thereby complementing the neighbouring cycling track.
(5) The LCSD has set up a fast food and light refreshment kiosk at the Promenade which provides catering services for members of the public by a contractor. In addition, there are various restaurants and shops in the adjacent Science Park and shopping malls of the nearby residential estates. Therefore, the LCSD has no plan to provide additional catering facilities or introduce food trucks at the Promenade at present. That said, the LCSD will continue to closely monitor the situation, take into account the public's views and conduct on-site inspections with relevant departments as necessary to explore the addition of suitable catering facilities.
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