Remembering the June 18 flooding in 1972. That’s why we are here at Sau Mau Ping Memorial Park. This park stands as a testament to a tragedy and a symbol of remembrance. Sau Mau Ping Memorial Park is located in Kwun Tong District. It serves as a place of reflection.
The park’s story began after the disastrous flooding. The event is known as the June 18 flooding. On that day in 1972, a hillside collapsed. The collapse tragically took 71 lives. The victims were buried by the landslide.
In the aftermath, the Land Development Planning Committee made a decision. On June 30, 1972, they decided to create an open space. This space would serve as a memorial. The location had originally been planned for a school.
The collapsed slope was rebuilt carefully. Engineers created a gentler gradient. They improved the drainage. The goal was to ensure stability. The Urban Council initially wanted to include recreational facilities. They planned badminton and basketball courts. However, the gentler slope took up more space. The recreational elements were dropped. A simpler garden was created instead.
Sau Mau Ping Memorial Park was completed in 1976. A stairway and pathway lead up the slope. They connect to Hiu Kwong Street and a rest garden. In the early 1980s, the park was expanded. A 560-square-metre section was added. It is next to Kwun Tong Maryknoll College.
Today, Sau Mau Ping Memorial Park offers a serene environment. It is a place for contemplation. It allows visitors to remember the lives lost. It stands as a reminder of the power of nature. The park also highlights the importance of safety and preparedness. Sau Mau Ping Memorial Park is more than just a green space. It is a place of collective memory. It is a place of respect.