*********************************************************
The Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool was officially opened today (June 29). It is the first swimming complex in Tuen Mun to feature environmental, greening and energy conservation concepts. Residents of Tuen Mun will be able to benefit from the quality leisure facilities and enjoy the fun of swimming.
Officiating at the ceremony, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung said, "The new swimming pool complex occupies about 1.5 hectares and is the third swimming pool complex in Tuen Mun. It is also the first swimming pool complex in the district that offers indoor heated pool facilities and a jacuzzi. As the facilities are open all year round, Tuen Mun residents can keep up with regular exercise even in winter time."
Mrs Fung added that the unique environmental design of the swimming pool provides considerable green space, which helps to keep swimmers away from the hustle bustle of the city. The swimming pool complex applies multiple architectural techniques in energy conservation, including channel glass walls to capture natural light, a solar water heating system and a rainwater collection system for rooftop greenery irrigation. Moreover, all facilities at the premises were built in compliance with guidelines for barrier free access for the disabled, so as to foster the social inclusion of persons with and without disabilities.
She pointed out that swimming has become more popular in the district since the opening of Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool. According to swimming pool admission statistics in April and May this year, since the opening of the new swimming pool, there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of swimming pool users compared with the corresponding period last year. Thus the opening of Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool promotes healthy exercise for all.
The opening ceremony today was one of the events under the "Vibrant Hong Kong" theme of the city-wide "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign. The ceremony included a host of wonderful programmes such as a dance performance, a synchronized swimming performance, life-saving demonstrations, a fitness exercises play-in and community planting activity.
Moreover, to celebrate the official opening of the new swimming pool complex, members of the public can enjoy swimming during two specified free sessions today.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony include the Chairman of Tuen Mun District Council (TMDC), Mr Lau Wong-fat; Chairman of the District Facilities Management Committee of TMDC, Mr Kwu Hon-keung; Acting Director of Architectural Services, Mr Stephen Tang; and District Officer (Tuen Mun), Mr David Lau.
Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool is located at 95 Ming Kum Road, Tuen Mun, and adjacent to Po Tin Estate. The indoor facilities of the new swimming pool complex opened last December, while its outdoor pool facilities have been in full operation since April 1 this year.
In addition to the jacuzzi, the indoor heated pool facilities comprise an indoor training pool measuring 25 metres x 25m and an indoor leisure pool.
Outdoor facilities include a standard main pool measuring 50m x 25m, a training pool measuring 25m x 15m and a teaching pool measuring 25m x 12m. The main pool has a spectator stand with some 800 seats and is suitable for swimming competitions.
Adjacent to Tuen Mun Tin King Stop of the Light Rail Transit and various bus stops (route nos. 58M, 58X, 258D, 260X, 960, 960A, 960B, B3A and E33P), the swimming pool complex is easily accessible by public transport.
Members of the public may visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/beach/en/swim-intro.php) for details of the opening hours and the weekly cleaning operations of the swimming pool complex. For further information, please call the venue staff at 2164 8355.
Ends/Saturday, June 29, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:24
NNNN
