The Leisure Services Branch manages and develops recreational, sports and amenity facilities territory-wide, as well as providing a wide range of leisure activities for the enjoyment of the community. It also promotes nature conservation and the greening of Hong Kong through the planting of trees and plants in public parks and amenity areas.

	The department works hard to create a greener environment. Picture shows the roadside beautification programme in Wan Chai.

The wide range of recreational and sports facilities throughout all 18 districts comprises: 41 gazetted beaches, 36 swimming pools, two outdoor stadia (Hong Kong Stadium and Mong Kok Stadium), 52 natural turf soccer pitches, 14 artificial turf soccer pitches, two hockey pitches, two rugby pitches, 83 sports centres, 324 squash courts, 24 sports grounds, 268 tennis courts, five golf driving ranges, four water sports centres, four holiday camps, 22 major parks, 616 children's playgrounds and 219 hard-surfaced soccer pitches. The aggregate area of all these leisure facilities is about 2,108 hectares.

Close liaison is maintained with District Councils so that when planning new projects we can respond to trends and demands for recreational facilities in each district. At the same time, the provision of recreational facilities in the private sector, as well as neighbouring districts, is also taken into account.

Customer Liaison Groups

Customer Liaison Groups have been set up in the 18 District Leisure Services Offices since April 2000. Regular meetings are held where the department can obtain feedback from users of LCSD facilities. At the meetings, members are encouraged to express opinions on the facilities, programmes and services provided by the department. Their opinions form the basis for improvements to services.

Work Improvement Teams

Up to December 2002, a total of 262 Work Improvement Teams (WITs) were set up in district leisure venues to implement self-initiated and departmental improvement measures.

In view of their success, the department will continue to support the setting up of WITs at all major leisure venues including sports centres, swimming pool complexes, beaches, parks and playgrounds.

	The department sets up WITs at major leisure venues to improve services.