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Why an Urban Green
Park? |
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people may ask
why do we need another park? We already have Victoria Park and Kowloon
Park, isn't that good enough? The short answer is NO. Hong Kong
needs more green space and a world class park which would enhance our
community and quality of life. Here are several reasons why Hong
Kong needs an urban green park. |
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- High
Density Living - As one of the most
densely populated urban environments in the world, with densities over
50,000 people/sq.km., Hong Kong residents are constantly exposed to
stressful environments. Parks and open space can provide refuge
from these urban stresses.
- Low Urban Park Density - The central
urban areas of Hong Kong and Kowloon currently have some of the lowest
ratios of Ha Urban Parkland per Person. Other major urban centers
such as Manhattan in NYC or Inner London have over 10 times the amount
of Ha Urban Parkland per Person. As Hong Kong strives to be
Asia's World City, can we really claim such a title?
- Environmental Enhancement - Hong
Kong is now suffering from increasing environmental pollutions and
needs every new development to help abate the problem, not add to
it. The tree cover from a green park at the West Kowloon site
could remove annually from the air almost 2 tons of particulates, as
well as approximately 1 ton of Nitrogen and Sulfur Dioxides combined.
- Community/Public Health - Air
pollutant abatement can help lower the incidence of respiratory
problems such as asthma, which helps reduce health risks for
children. Parks can help reduce obesity and enhance senior
citizen's health and well-being. Parks also facilitate civic
activities and help to foster community spirit.
- Tourism Benefits - Hong Kong is well
known to tourists for shopping and commerce, as well as the new home of
Disney World Hong Kong. The West Kowloon park and cultural
district will become a major attraction and vantage point onto the
city. For comparison, New York's Central Park attracts annually
25 Million visitors.
- The Best Interest for Hong Kong Legacy
- While Hong Kong has derived most of its income through land auctions
to maintain a low tax base and vibrant market economy, and having
achieved the 2nd highest per capita income in Asia, it should not
overlook the long term legacy and best interest of the Hong Kong
people. The West Kowloon site certainly ranks among one of the
most important and invaluable real estates for the last 150
years. For this simple reason the SAR Government must recognize
the legacy for the public and agree that it is NOT FOR SALE.
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