Most of the land that the park occupies was reclaimed from Tide Cove during the construction of the Sha Tin New Town, though some of the land existed beforehand and was previously occupied by the Sha Tin Airfield, a military air base.
While the park was under construction, a "sneak preview" was provided to the public as it was temporarily opened from 14 to 17 March 1987 for the Hong Kong Flower Show.[1]
The park was opened on 24 August 1988.[2] It was then named as Sha Tin Central Park. It was built and administered by the Regional Council.
Shortly following the Tiananmen Square massacre, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China erected a replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue in Sha Tin Central Park, on a temporary basis, with the approval of the council.[3] Over 4,000 people attended its unveiling on 3 July 1989, with many laying wreathes at the foot of the statue.[4] In 1997, the pro-Beijing camp within the council voted down another application by the alliance to temporarily exhibit the Pillar of Shame statue in the park on the anniversary of the massacre.[5]
Facilities
Facilities include the Main Plaza, Amphitheatre, South Garden, North Garden, Artists' Corner, Walled Garden, Verandah, Azalea Garden, Scented Garden, Children Playgrounds (in both South Garden and North Garden), Light Refreshment Kiosks and Birds Conservation Area in the park.
Artists' Corner is an open area for the artists exhibiting, displaying, sharing, and selling their personal products with the public every Saturday, Sunday, and Public holiday.
There is a Wedding Garden in the Artists' Corner.
