8th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in Hong Kong has announced that it will open over 50 Inclusive Parks for Pets in various districts from 13th June. This will bring the total number of Inclusive Parks for Pets to over 170, enabling park users with or without pets to enjoy park facilities together in an inclusive environment.
Under the trial scheme of Inclusive Park for Pets launched in January 2019, six parks under the purview of the LCSD were opened for members of the public to enter and use with their pets. Following the successful implementation of the trial scheme, the LCSD regularised the six Inclusive Parks for Pets and provided more in various districts starting from February 2021.
After consulting with the local community, more than 50 additional leisure venues across the territory will be designated for use as Inclusive Parks for Pets starting from 13th June to meet public aspirations for opening more parks for them to visit with pets.
“The aim of Inclusive Parks for Pets is to enable members of the public who bring their pets into existing parks to use park facilities together in an inclusive environment, thereby promoting exchanges and integration in the community. When identifying suitable locations as Inclusive Parks for Pets, the department has considered different criteria, including the demand of the public for these facilities, size and location of the venues, ancillary facilities and their usage. Additional supporting facilities such as dog excreta collection bins and hand-washing facilities will be provided for the convenience of pet owners and their pets in light of the actual circumstances and needs. Cleaning work will also be stepped up,” an LCSD spokesman said.