HKIA unveils Airport Trail and historical park

Hong Kong, 18 March 2006) - The state-of-the-art architecture, flight movements as well as seamless flow of people and cargo are some of the images that come to mind when one thinks of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). 

Yet there is more. The opening of the tree-lined Airport Trail and the long-awaited heritage park today has added a new dimension to the diversified experience that HKIA has to offer. The $6 million project undertaken by the Airport Authority (AA) provides airport workers and Tung Chung residents an ideal venue for jogging, outings and exercises.

Beautiful scenery, greenery environment and recreational facilities are among the attractions of the two-kilometre long trail, which connects the airport with its neighbouring community, Tung Chung. More than 10,000 trees of 20 native and introduced species have been planted along the trail to beautify the environment and its surroundings.

AA's Chief Executive Officer, Dr David J Pang said, "As a responsible corporate citizen, we continue to strengthen ties with the local community. The trail is built for those who live and work in the vicinity of the HKIA."

Another highlight of the Airport Trail is the Ancient Kiln Park, which showcases the history of Hong Kong through preservation of the archaeological relics found on the airport island.

More than 10 furnaces were uncovered in 1991 at the southern tip of the airport island - the first archaeological remains of the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1271 -1368) ever discovered in Hong Kong. Prior to the construction of the HKIA, a series of conservation projects were carried out, and the archaeological site was retained as a conservation zone. It has recently been converted into the Ancient Kiln Park, where the furnace structures are preserved in-situ.

Thanks to the support of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), a kiln replica and a set of exhibition panels are now on display at the Park to offer visitors a glimpse into the invaluable archeological findings.

LCSD's Assistant Director Mr Tsang Chu-chiu said, "The kiln complex was one of the most notable findings among the heritage conservation projects of Chek Lap Kok conducted prior to the construction of HKIA. With the in-situ preservation of the kiln complex, the Park denotes the celebrated partnership of the AA and the community in conservation of cultural heritage."

At today's opening ceremony of the Ancient Kiln Park and Airport Trail, more than 140 students and residents from Tung Chung joined members of the airport community to participate in a tree-planting activity to build a greener environment for everyone.