Work Improvement Teams

By the end of December, 270 Work Improvement Teams (WITs) were set up in district leisure venues to implement self-initiated and departmental improvements.

In view of their success, the department will continue to support the teams at all major leisure venues, including sports centres, swimming pools, beaches, parks and playgrounds.

Conversion of Under-Utilised Facilities

To meet local needs, four under-utilised tennis courts were converted into a 5-a-side mini soccer pitch and a basketball court, and more than 230 squash courts were opened up for multipurpose uses such as activity rooms and table-tennis rooms. The department will continue to explore the flexible conversion of under-utilised sports facilities for other more gainful uses to meet local needs.

The tennis courts in Tin Shui Wai Park (upper) were converted to a 5-a-side mini soccer pitch (lower).

Facilities for NSAs

The department provided 36 NSAs with National Squad Training Centres, which can be fully utilised for training athletes. The arrangement encourages the associations to use LCSD facilities and to make available more training opportunities for national squads and athletes.

Free-Use Scheme

The Free-Use Scheme aims to maximise the use of recreational facilities by allowing eligible organisations access to the main arena and activity rooms of all sports centres, squash courts, hockey pitches, outdoor bowling greens and obstacle golf courses, free of charge during non-peak hours. Eligible organisations include schools, NSAs, district sports associations and subvented non-government organisations.

		The Free-Use Scheme allows eligible organisations to enjoy using recreational facilities free of charge during non-peak hours.

LCSD Leisure Link

The computerised Leisure Link booking system was upgraded in December 2004 to meet increasing public demand and provide a more efficient service. The system was introduced in March 2002 to enable the public to book leisure facilities in Hong Kong through the Internet, by telephone or by visiting booking counters.

One-Stop Service

A one-stop service has been fully implemented at 150 recreational venues since October 2003. The service enables the public to book facilities, register and pay for recreational programmes, and to obtain professional advice and assistance on facility usage and sports programming all at one venue.

Places of Amusement Licences

The department has been the licensing authority for billiard establishments, public bowling alley and public skating rinks under the Places of Amusement Regulation (subsidiary legislation to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Chapter 132, Laws of Hong Kong) since January 1, 2000. This year, 75 billiard establishments, seven public bowling alleys and four public skating rinks were licensed.

	The LCSD is the licensing authority for public bowling alleys.

Beaches and Swimming Pools

Swimming is one of the most popular summer pastimes in Hong Kong. During 2005, more than 19 million visits were made to the beaches (10.42 million) and public swimming pools (8.64 million) managed by the department. In promoting water sport safety, the department continued to co-organise a series of campaigns and activities in collaboration with the Hong Kong Life Saving Society.

	A joint rescue exercise with the Hong Kong Life Saving Society.

Local Community Economy

As part of activities to help promote the local community economy, the department upgrades existing facilities in various districts to enhance their attraction to local visitors and tourists. The aim is to generate more business activities and create more jobs. Projects in progress during the year covered the construction of a footpath linking the five beaches in Tuen Mun.