Post date: Dec 08, 2015 6:19:24 PM
Why is Hong Kong so different from other cities when it comes to managing public places meant for relaxation?
Is it because its citizens are so obsessed with "lifeless" things or is space at such a premium that public parks and playgrounds are guarded like mausoleums? Dennis Li is right to point out the flaws in this outdated policy ("Lighten up on draconian park rules", February 7).
Neighbourhood promenades and community parks should be places where people, young children in particular, "do things that they otherwise cannot do in their cramped apartments".
Parks in Hong Kong are not a happy sight - no pets, no cycling, no rollerblading.
Why is Hong Kong so different from other cities when it comes to managing public places meant for relaxation?
Is it because its citizens are so obsessed with "lifeless" things or is space at such a premium that public parks and playgrounds are guarded like mausoleums? Dennis Li is right to point out the flaws in this outdated policy ("Lighten up on draconian park rules", February 7).
Neighbourhood promenades and community parks should be places where people, young children in particular, "do things that they otherwise cannot do in their cramped apartments".
Parks in Hong Kong are not a happy sight - no pets, no cycling, no rollerblading.
My recent visit to a few in the Mid-Levels and Happy Valley areas on a fine Sunday afternoon reminded me of a lifeless city half-asleep. I only saw a few older couples dozing off on park benches, newspapers falling from their hands.
The usual scenes one would associate with a park - teens goofing off; toddlers running around playing hide-and-seek; laughter; couples with coffee in hand, walking their dogs and having animated conversations - were nowhere to be found. What are neighbourhood parks for? I can't help but wonder.
The government must shed some of the antiquated rules. Officials must muster the courage to designate a few parks and promenades as being "pet-and cycling-friendly" (for example, pets must be on a leash; impose restrictions on the size of bikes).
Hong Kong will remain a laughing stock to its Western counterparts if such foolish hypocrisy is allowed to live on.
Philip S. K. Leung, Pok Fu Lam 16 February, 2013http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1151306/letters-editor-february-16-2013
A comment by Mrs Monica Latham, London - 24 February, 2013http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1157217/letters-editor-february-24-2013