Keep the peace in parks, but still have fun
- Those who use public spaces to sing and dance are certainly enjoying themselves and likely getting exercise, but they should show consideration for other users and people living nearby
There is a simple rule that people who use Hong Kong’s parks should follow: enjoy, but do not disturb others.
Those who use public spaces to sing and dance are certainly enjoying themselves and likely getting exercise. But the loudspeakers some use to provide music for their routines may also cause tension in a city so densely packed and crowded.
An amendment to laws to keep the peace is certainly needed, but so, too, should be greater consideration for fellow park-goers and those living nearby.
People who cause excessive noise in parks can be fined up to HK$2,000 or jailed for 14 days. But complaints can only be made by other park users, who will have to serve as witnesses should a prosecution be made, not those who manage the area or live or work nearby.
The proposed alteration to be put to lawmakers by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department would widen the scope of the legislation, although penalties would remain the same. While a welcome move, there are other matters that need to be considered.
One is culture; public dancing for exercise and to socialise is popular on the mainland, especially among middle-aged and elderly women and they continue to dance when they move to Hong Kong or are visiting. They gather in groups and perform synchronised routines and sing, often to what some bystanders would consider deafeningly loud music.
Parks have also become a haven for buskers and other amateur entertainers, who have been limited to where they can perform by restrictions and the closure last year of Mong Kok’s pedestrian zone.
Both groups have their followers and supporters, but they, and the noise they make, are not always appreciated given how small the city’s parks are and their proximity to homes.
Such people need to be mindful of other park users and laws. But rules are of little use without sufficient manpower to enforce them.
Consideration also needs to be given to whether a decibel limit for noise should be set, determining if the use of speakers and amplifiers is permissible, and deciding if repeat offenders should be banned. Space is tight, so ways have to be found to enable exercise, recreation and entertainment while also keeping the peace.