We strongly concur with the West Kowloon Cultural Authority's aim of having a park "which is not another traditional government park". We have lamented before at the absence of large areas of grassy parks where people are free to lie around, picnic, and play with their children and pets.
Such areas are few and far between in Hong Kong since "open space" as the government likes to call it falls under the dreaded rule of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. We often had occasion to marvel at their management of squash courts where officials would interrupt games on the half hour either by turning off the lights or opening the doors in mid-game. But when the squash courts were used for ballroom dancing sessions they would happily let women wearing stiletto heels on to the courts, which have wooden floors.
Their approach to parks is not much better. Parks are supposed to be enjoyed but the LCSD does not appear to share this view, but instead sees them as an administrative horror.
This accounts for the menacing tone of the ordinance relating to "Pleasure Grounds Regulations" which is displayed at many parks. For the benefit of people who don't read these notices, it tells us to "behave in an orderly and decent manner" and must also be "decently clothed." No person "shall … walk, run, stand, sit or lie upon grass" when there are signs telling us not to do so.
Dogs have to be restrained. We are told we cannot bring "cattle, equines, sheep, goats, pigs, or poultry or any beast of draught or burden". Any such animals will be seized by the keeper, "and delivered into the custody of a police officer". Needless to say not much of this is enforced.
Planning permission issue gets curiouser and curiouser