Many 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.

1. 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.

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.