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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)'s Ping Shek Playground in Kwun Tong was officially opened today (December 21) to provide a range of leisure facilities for local residents.

Officiating at the opening ceremony were the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Paul Leung Sai-wah; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Pau Shiu-hung; and the Chairman of Kwun Tong District Council, Mr Hau Shui-pui.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Leung said, "Novel facilities are found in Ping Shek Playground. The design of the children's playground is especially unique and intriguing. With the age of dinosaurs in ancient times as its theme and pseudo-archaic fossils and decorative totems as its features, the children's playground leads children into an exciting and adventurous world of the dinosaurs. I'm sure boys and girls will love it."

Mr Leung added the Ping Shek Playground is located on a small hill that is richly planted with flowers and trees. The air is fresh and the environment quiet and peaceful.

"I hope the public can make full use of these facilities and do exercises more regularly, hence enjoying a happier and healthier life."

The opening ceremony was commemorated by unveiling a plaque and followed by a tour of the facilities in the playground.

The newly completed playground is located in Choi Shek Lane, Kwun Tong, bordering the Choi Wan Estate and the Ping Shek Estate. Covering an area of 34,000 square metres, it provides a range of leisure facilities including four tennis courts, a 7-a-side soccer pitch, a tai chi area-cum-gateball court, a multi-purpose ball court, a jogging trail with fitness stations and a children's play area.

The playground opens from 6 am to 11.30 pm daily, while the tennis courts open from 7 am to 11 pm daily. Members of public can book the tennis courts in advance through the SPORTIX, or they can make the on-the-session booking using Octopus cards.

The rate for booking a tennis court is $42 per hour and $57 per hour with floodlighting. The public can book for free the soccer pitch, the tai chi area-cum-gateball court and the multi-purpose ball court.

Enquiries can be made at 2324 4302.

End/Friday, December 21, 2001

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