Southorn Playground - Use of Facilities

Use of Facilities

Southorn Playground was a major landmark to senior residents of Wan Chai. Back in the 1950-60s, it was a place of both work and entertainment. Its character changed throughout the day.

In the morning, labourers (commonly known as "coolies") gathered in the playground to start their day. They gave each other Chinese herbal massages to alleviate fatigue and pain because it was costly to seek proper medical treatment. In the evening, the playground transformed into an open-air, working class night club where visitors enjoyed Chinese magic and kung fu performances, as well as street food.

Nowadays, Southorn Playground remains popular among Wan Chai dwellers: senior citizens kill time by playing Chinese chess there, while young people regard it as one of their favorite spots for football and basketball. The annual Adidas Streetball Challenge is held in the playground which attracts flocks of Hong Kong basketball fanatics and young spectators. It has also one of the most well-known basketball courts in Hong Kong, and street legends story often start in Southorn Playground.

Southorn Playground is considered the Hong Kong equivalent of Hyde Park. Urban renewal specialist Fred Manson and designer Thomas Heatherwick have proposed retaining the present facilities of the playground but making the space more appealing to a wider group of people.