A series of dialogue sessions were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last week, as part of the “25 Years of Design” exhibition. Sports Commissioner Mr. Yeung Tak Keung and architect Mr. Matthew Farr, who designed the Kai Tak Sports Park, shared insights related to the sports park.
We have been closely monitoring the accessibility level of the facilities at Kai Tak Sports Park. We have submitted feedback in writing on numerous occasions and attended various consultation meetings. Our General Secretary and Project Officer attended these dialogues on 31 August and 3 September respectively.
Project Officer Wilson Lau Kwok Lam engaged in a dialogue with Sports Commissioner Mr. Yeung, highlighting the need for sports facilities to not only comply with the “Design Manual” but also prioritise the perspective of persons with disabilities, making them more user-friendly. Using the example of the electric wheelchair charging point at the main stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park, which is currently far from the wheelchair seating area, he emphasised the importance of designing facilities with the needs of persons with disabilities in mind. Commissioner Yeung assured that future designs would take this into account.
General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung attended a session where he engaged in a dialogue with architect Matthew Farr regarding the Kai Tak Sports Park. He focused on the speaker’s mention of the park as a facility intended for the use of the general public, expressing concern. Hong Kong is currently facing an aging population, with a projected significant increase in the number of elderly individuals and persons with disabilities in the future. It is anticipated that the park will serve as a venue that integrates sports, entertainment, and leisure activities, catering not only to athletes but also to elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. Apart from sports, the park is expected to host various family gatherings and leisure activities. There is a hope to further incorporate the concept of accessibility, aiming to develop the park beyond meeting existing international standards for accessibility.