Morse Park Sports Centre

“A former rifle range?” you ask, squinting at the bustling Morse Park Sports Centre. Yes indeed. This vibrant hub of activity, Morse Park Sports Centre, sits on land that once echoed with the crack of gunfire. Morse Park, all 15.8 hectares of it, was completed in 1967. It’s named after Sir Arthur Morse, a prominent figure who led The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation during and after World War II. The park is so large that city streets actually divide it into four sections. You’ll find them formally labelled Morse Park No. 1, Morse Park No. 2, and so on. But long before the sports centre or even the park existed, this very ground hosted a significant event. In the winter of 1961-1962, the Hong Kong Golden Jubilee Jamborette was held here, then known as Kowloon Tsai. Picture over 2,700 scouts braving heavy rain and winter chill to celebrate 50 years of Hong Kong Scouting. The theme? “One World.” The first phase of Morse Park officially opened on October 6, 1967. The opening ceremony was led by G.M. Tingle, the Director of Urban Services. The park wasn’t always called Morse Park. Before its official opening, it was known as Takwuling Park. A few years later, in 1970, the Morse Park Swimming Pool made a splash. It was the largest swimming complex in the territory at the time. It even impressed Queen Elizabeth II during her visit with Governor Murray MacLehose in 1975. He showcased the complex as a symbol of his government’s commitment to recreation and sport. Today, Morse Park Sports Centre offers a multi-purpose arena, perfect for basketball, volleyball, or badminton. You can also find table tennis tables and a spectator stand for 200 people. Outside the sports centre, Morse Park itself boasts a unique tropical palm garden, the only one in the city, with over 80 trees representing 23 palm species. There’s also an arboretum showcasing over 100 trees of 30 rare species. So, as you enjoy the modern facilities of Morse Park Sports Centre, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, from rifle range to scout jamboree to the grand opening and royal visit.