Originally published on SCMP on 29th November 2020
In May, Ocean Park’s demise looked possible until a HK$5.4 billion (US$696.6 million) bailout allowed it to survive for another 12 months. The bailout did not provide any certainty, though, and Ocean Park’s existence still hangs by a thread as more voices call for the government to close it for good, despite its being the oldest and only locally groomed theme park.
In fear that we would never see Ying Ying and Le Le again, some friends and I visited Ocean Park last weekend. We enjoyed our visit as it was nothing like we expected. The usual crowds of tourists were nowhere in sight and queuing times for rides and aquariums were short. Instead, we saw families with strollers in a theme park that was only slightly packed.
For the first time, we were able to comfortably enjoy the facilities and scenery of Ocean Park and share a piece of our “collective memory”. For less than HK$400, we would love to visit again, but will Ocean Park’s doors be still open?
Fortunately, any worries over its closure were lifted on Wednesday as the “rebirth of Ocean Park” took centre stage in Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s “Invigorating Island South” initiative. A series of nearby projects were proposed to create synergy with Ocean Park, most notably the donation of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant for revitalisation.
While it is exciting to see fresh impetus injected into Ocean Park, major hurdles like community support and a clear marketing strategy must still be sorted out. The most pressing matter is Ocean Park’s financial sustainability. The “rebirth of Ocean Park” is a second chance that is welcome, but Hongkongers might not respond as warmly if it entails another bailout.
To ensure its success, more drastic reform should go along with the grand plan. Amending the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance to allow clarity and operational flexibility would be a good start. Compared with other ordinances regarding statutory or public bodies, the Ocean Park Ordinance is rather general and lacks clarity, especially on financial matters.
For example, whether the Ocean Park Corporation is allowed to invite outside parties for financing or whether it can trade in shares is unclear. Questions on its legal framework must be elucidated before meaningful and feasible changes can happen.
Judging from the reactions, both online and off, the public seems excited about the “rebirth”. To avoid another mass disappointment, the government and Ocean Park must show Hong Kong their determination to keep the park afloat.
Gordon Choi, Wong Tai Sin
