【Susi's Newsletter vol.1】Wanna take a break? Check out these spots in Wan Chai!
In Hong Kong, the densities of both population and buildings are extremely high in the urban area. Wan Chai, as a historical yet vibrant town, is undoubtedly one of the examples. Leisure space seems increasingly hard to get by. According to a report regarding open spaces in Hong Kong by a think tank, residents in Wan Chai enjoy an average of 0.9 square meters of open space per person, which is one of the smallest among all districts in Hong Kong.
Indeed, space is limited. Yet, it’s still not that hard to find public space within our district if we pay attention. By walking through various open spaces in town, Oi Kwan Community Organizer, Susi Law often discusses with our neighbors about their expectations of public space. Let’s turn to the map in the inner page, and explore different take-a-break spots that truly belong to Wan-Chai-ers with Susi.
¹： “Unopened Space: Mapping Equitable Availability of Open Space in Hong Kong, Civic Exchange, Feb 2017.
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Space, as one of our resources in the community, can be found just around the corners. Some of them, provided by both the government and private sectors, could be named as ‘public space’. Everyone should be free to access and utilize those spaces, enjoying their leisure activities. Which ones have you explored already?
7 Mallory Street
Facilities: Garden (More than 2000 square feet; opening hours: from 8a.m. to 10p.m.)
Features: Grade II Historic Building in Hong Kong. It served as an art and cultural exhibition venue after refurbishment and revitalization.
‘Quite a few private properties in the district have to make a part of their space open to the public according to the government policy, such as 7 Mallory Street. I found it quite impressive when I met a neighbor walking his birds here the other day. What else do you think we may do here?’
Wan Chai Park
Facilities: A football Court, the Chess Zone, Children’s Play Area, and a pool, etc.
Features: Spacious and built on the hill.
‘This park is huge. I really like the shade given by the Chinese Banyan in the park, as well as the biggest Spider Tree in Hong Kong. During this windy fall, it’s best to have a picnic with neighbors and friends near the pool or under the giant trees!’
Hennessy Road Playground
Facilitates: Pavilions, chairs, and a basketball court
Features: Convenient for a break due to its location right downtown.
‘One morning, I saw the vines on top of the pavilion blocking some of the sunshine in the playground, leaving shadows in the shapes of leaves on the ground. It was beautiful and relaxing. This playground is often filled with older people after their grocery shopping in the market as well as helpers with the kids. It’d be ideal if there could be more seats.’
Morrison Hill Road Playground
Facilities: Children’s Play Area and the cycling track
Features: The cycling track can be used as a skateboard ground and an artistic bicycle court.
‘Quite many neighbors living in Tin Lok Lane enjoy this park, especially elderly who often do their morning exercise here. There is a round platform with chairs in the park. Perhaps it could be a good place for everyone to gather and share their stories?’
Tak Yan Street Children’s Playground
Facilities: Swings and kids’ rocking chairs
Features: Specially designed for kids aged from 2 to 5.
‘The leisure facilities here are only enough for a few kids to play at the same time. There are a lot of benches near the park. The advantage of this park is the huge soft plastic floorings. It can be a good place to work out at night as well.’
【 Others public area nearby OiKwan】
The rooftop of the Pawn
Address: 62 Johnston Road
From 11a.m. to 8p.m./ Flat Tile Floor with a few chairs and tables
High-end and elegant with a lemon tree.
Garden East
Address: Sam Pan Street (at the end)
Open 24 hours/ A water pool with huge staircases.
Simple but innovative design
Low usage rate as it doesn’t look welcoming to the public.
Rooftop Garden on the 5th Floor in The Avenue
Address :200 Queen’s Road East. (Entrance by the Queen’s Road East. Take the lift to 5th floor)
From 8a.m. to. 9p.m. / European styled, fancy but impractical.
The entrance is very hidden.
Tai Wong Street East Sitting-out Area
Address: Tai Wong Street East (Opposite to Antung Building)
From 7a.m. to 11p.m./ With benches, flat floor, and wide staircases.
Creative design on the staircases.
Dominion Garden
Address: Queen’s Road East (Next to Dominion Centre)
Open 24 hours / Flat Tile Floor
Beautiful trees on stone walls.
Wan Chai Sports Ground
Address：20 Tonnochy Road, Wan Chai / From 7a.m. to 11p.m.
Facilities are only used for booking by organizations. There is no jogging time for the running track. Not allowed for personal use
Tung Wah Centenary Square
Address：Queen’s Road East (Inside Queen’s Road East Garden)
Open 24 hours / Flat Tile Floor
There is a huge open space. But the usage rate of the benches is low.
Jockey Club Rehabilitation Garden
Address：Queen’s Road East (Inside Jockey Club Park)
Open 24 hours / Flat soft plastic floorings / A long slope to reach the park
Susi’s chat box
‘New land or space can’t happen overnight. However, have we utilized all the spaces in our community? Due to public demand for improving the overall pedestrian environment, the Transport Department has launched various Pedestrian Schemes. Currently, the department is planning to turn parts of Tai Yuen Street and Cross street into part-time pedestrian streets for leisure. Is there anywhere in Oi Kwan that should also be turned into a pedestrian street?
For Wan-Chai-ers in different age groups, are there enough recreational facilities in town? In the evening on Aug 28, Susi held a workshop, called DIY Playground, inviting different families to play together. It was so much fun! Parents and kids were enjoying their Tape Art Drawing, self-invented board games, and the picture book corner, and of course, the 3,000 toy blocks in the venue. We also discussed the park planning in Wan Chai with our neighbors. Many of them shared their ideas and wishes about parks.
Shall we…?
What do you want from PARKS?
Date: 5/10/2019 (Sat)
Time: 2 p.m. to 5p.m.Location: Wan Chai Park
‘I will share some of the most surprising parks and recreational facilities I’ve seen aboard. Do you have any interesting ideas about leisure spaces in Wan Chai? I can’t wait to hear from you on Saturday!’
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