Green sea change for sewage station rooftop

The Drainage Services Department has turned the rooftop of a sewage pumping station in Kwun Tong into a playful pump park that will be opened up to the public next month.

The park is a beautification of the existing Kwun Tong sewage pumping station, where excess sewage that have been preliminarily treated are temporarily stored.

The park is also part of the Cha Kwo Ling promenade, which will also be available to the public next month, with numerous entertainment and barrier-free facilities suitable for families and people in need.

"To break from the loathsome and tedious stereotypes regarding sewage treatment and fully utilize space, our engineering team has transformed a landscaped platform to cover it," said John Mui Chi-kin, engineer of harbor area treatment scheme division.

Mui said the design concepts of the park are flexible, fickle, playful and natural, and divided into five areas to reflect earth, sky, water, sun and air elements.

There are over 60 facilities, including those that fulfil user needs of different ages and physical abilities, and facilities such as swings, a maze and trampolines.

One of the signature features, according to Mui, is in game zone five, which includes a five-meter-tall "treehouse," a 15-meter-long slide and a water park.

To promote an inclusive culture, it will have an accessible pass, elevator and a wheelchair platform.

Green and sustainable development factors were also considerations, with 30 percent, or 3,000 square meters, of the park being green areas.

The green areas have rainwater storage for plants and solar panels that can save up to 80 kilowatts a day, as well as using a daylighting patio for the pumping station underneath.

The park will be handed over to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department following its completion at the end of the month.

"We want to build an area with excellent quality for people to enjoy," said engineer Winsy Choi Wing-sze.

She said the Tsui Ping River revitalization, aimed at converting the nullah into a unique place with environmental, ecological and landscaping upgrading works, will reduce flood risk and foster a vibrant public space.

It will have a cross-river footbridge to link Kwun Tong with the Cha Kwo Ling promenade.

The whole project was commenced in July 2020 and is expected to be completed in the third quarter next year at a cost to taxpayers of HK$1.3 billion.

To enhance sustainable environment, bamboo-made floors and seats are used in the project.

Also an augmented reality system will be available in the promenade, which will show the nullah in the past for public educational purposes.