Changing patterns of country-park recreation in Hong Kong

Abstract

The successful country-park programme in Hong Kong has attracted phenomenal growth in patronage throughout its 10-yr tenure. The resource base and underlying demand factors are briefly surveyed. The spatial-temporal patterns of consumption at different scales are consistently uneven. Where usage is excessive the primary conservation objective often conflicts with recreational use. The demographic transition from a predominantly youthful to a gradually aging population could alter participation rate, preference and expectation. Massive population decentralization associated with new town developments would shift the demand loci. A combination of resource- and visitor-management strategy, aided by objective data and analysis, are necessary for rational planning. A coordinated approach to countryside-cum-city recreational planning, and the protection of farming landscape are advocated. -from Author