Green lawns, proximity to home, and size are some of the most important features that make up quality open space in Hong Kong, a recent workshop organised by Civic Exchange reveals.
More than 60 key stakeholders from the government, property developers, universities, open-space operators, and various professional and community groups took part in the 12 June 2018 workshop as part of the Jockey Club Civic Exchange Reconnecting Open Space Programme. They shared their favourite open space and discussed the challenges of and possible solutions for creating more inclusive open space in Hong Kong.
Most participants named Cyberport, Kowloon Park, Kwun Tong waterfront promenade, Quarry Bay Park, Tamar Park and Victoria Park – particularly the lawns at these parks – as their favourite hang-out spots, citing flexibility of use and multiple functions as key reasons for their preference.
Participants said it is important that public open space is easily accessible, ideally close to home and open round-the-clock. They also prefer sizeable open space, which echoes Civic Exchange’s earlier research findings that Hong Kong needs more of such space.
At the workshop, Civic Exchange also shared highlights from a public opinion survey that polled 3,600 people across 18 districts on their usage and views of open space in their neighbourhoods. Final survey findings will be published in a full report scheduled for release in early October and a public forum will be held in late October to encourage public discussion on the topic.
