A Happy Place in HKU

By Marco Mak

HONG KONG – Everything seems happy in Happy Park. People are happy to walk by, happy to sit and relax, happy to chat, happy to eat, and even happy to sing. What is so happy about Happy Park?

Happy Park, originally named Sun Yat-sen Place, is located in the heart of the University of Hong Kong, between the Main Library and Knowles Building. Many students walking from the red-brick Run Run Shaw Podium can descend to Happy Park, a gray-tiled plaza, by taking the Sun Yat-sen Steps. Happy Park has been a multi-purpose common area where various activities, ranging from forums, dances, concerts and fairs to chatting, eating, waiting and even singing, take place.

In the morning, Happy Park is a quiet space overlooking the awakened Sai Wan District where one can breathe in the tranquility and fresh morning air. The green garden on the Sun Yat-sen Steps sparkles under the early sunshine, composing a picturesque scene for people in Happy Park to enjoy. Birds tweet and sparrows find food near the benches. People stride and sip from the hot coffee they just bought. If these are not relaxing enough for you , then wait until the Christians gather and start their hymn-singing at 8:30 am.

Every weekday morning, a small fellowship gathers in the corner of Happy Park, raises their hands and sings Christian hymns. “We gather here every morning to praise the Lord. Happy Park provides us a free and open space to revitalize our minds,” said Joshua Chan, 20, a Christian and a chemistry student at the university.

With their harmonious and beautiful music spreading all over Happy Park, a comfortable atmosphere is built for other students in Happy Park to relax. “I guess this is also a good way to spread the gospel as people can listen to the hymns as they walk by,” Chan added.

Not only is Happy Park enjoyed by students, but local residents can also share its happiness. “I’ve come to Happy Park every day with my wife for 20 years. Every morning, we first go to do our morning exercise in May Hall and then come down to Happy Park to chill out,” saidMr. Wong, 78, a retired Sai Wan resident and a veteran Happy Park-goer as he talked about his morning routine, while he and his wife sat on a bench, enjoying each other’s company.

The big question remains: What is so happy about Happy Park?

“I don’t know! But I think it’s the happiest when Chow Pak-ho [a famous Hong Kong singer] came and did a concert here last week,” May replied and her friend Nicole, both studying science in HKU, giggled while eating at the picnic table in Happy Park.

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