Construction of full-size replica Noah's Ark is nearing completion and should be finished by the end this month as scheduled. The Ark is meant to demonstrate traditional values and spread positive values. It will be equipped with a wide array of amenities and feature activities that offer locals and tourists a new experience in a new attraction.
A preview of Noah's Ark was held today (18 November) hosted by Ma Wan Park General Manager Spencer Lu and Administration Manager Matthew Pine, and Noah's Ark Project Director Clarence Ng. Also on hand were representatives of five organizations that will operate different facilities at the Ark, including YMCA Noah's Ark Operation Chairman Patrick Tam, Media Evangelism General Secretary Andrew Yuen, Angela Luk of Angela Luk's Education Foundation, Boys' Brigade Executive Committee Chairperson Sunny Wu and the Reverend Louis Tsui representing St James' Settlement.
Theme facilities on five floors
The Ark is on a 270,000-square-foot site on Ma Wan Island overlooking the Rambler Channel and Tsing Ma Bridge. There are five levels each with a different theme. The ground floor will have a sea-front restaurant and banquet hall and the first floor will have a large multi-media exhibition hall. The second floor will be devoted to life education and the third floor will house a children’s museum and learning centre. The top floor will be a sea view hotel. The Ark is surrounded by greenery including topiary animals, a huge swing, amphitheatre, cycle paths and the Nature Garden. The backdrop of green hills, traditional village and Ma Wan heritage will make the area a new cultural tourism attraction.
An emblem of love and life
Spencer Lu said, "Noah's Ark represents love and life. The natural landscape and different elements are meant to convey different aspects of love – for oneself and others, for one's body and spirit, for the environment, for learning and taking on challenges, for life and for serving others. The facilities, displays and different activities to be staged on the Ark will promote love and harmony and encourage living to the fullest."
Team working to realizing dream
Ma Wan Park Limited is responsible for operating the Park. It will cooperate with the five experienced organizations running different facilities at the Ark to realize the spirit of the Ark. The operators said they share the mission of Noah's Ark, which is to promote love and life education, and promise to work together and do their best in operating the facilities on the Ark to make sure they meet the needs of people and the community.
Major Noah's Ark facilities
* Ark Garden and Expo
The path leading to the Ark will be lined by 67 pairs of sculptures of endangered or rare wild animals to teach visitors about their characteristics. The sculptures, waterfalls and ponds in the garden surrounding the Ark will remind visitors to love animals and treasure the environment.
The Ark Expo will allow visitors to experience an exciting adventure. They will be able to watch a 180° screen showing the connection between the Ark and the future of mankind, and also feel the flood that covered the earth. There will be models of the ark and a colourful animal kingdom including the only honey-pot ants on display in Asia, allowing visitors to appreciate the wonders of nature and see and understand the challenges the earth is facing in the 4D theatre.
* Noah's Adventureland
Adventure Land will challenge visitors' courage. It will have an eight-metre giant swing, challenging participants to a 'leap of faith' and a rope ladder by the sea will allow people to experience 'walking on air'. A rock climbing wall will test physical and mental strength.
* Treasure House
Treasure House will be a children's museum for training young minds. It will have 15 fun-filled galleries with themes covering life education, development of the mind and liberal education. It will encourage children to think and be creative and learn through interactive games and activities. They will learn to develop character in the global village, build confidence through drama lessons, learn to make music, learn science by observing the earth in action and apply their imaginations to different arts and crafts.
* Ark Life Education House
The Ark Life Education House will provide visitors the chance to explore the true meaning of life in its different stages through innovative, interactive games. People will be able to set personal goals and trace their steps through life; addressing challenges in the interactive forum. They will be able to learn what life means and how to achieve harmony of the body and mind. It will be ideal for school trips, corporate training and visits by individuals and organizations.
* Noah's Resort and Harvest Restaurant
Guests staying in the Noah's Hotel will be able to experience life on the Ark enjoying sunshine and greenery in Ma Wan Park or seeing the historic Ma Wan village within walking distance of the park. They will also be able to have coffee on the coffee lounge. The hotel will offer double / twin rooms and hostel dorms with their own bathroom for groups of four to eight people.
The Harvest Restaurant will be by the seaside where customers will be able to see both the Tsing Ma and Ting Kau bridges in the distance. It will have international cuisine, and will be suitable for wedding banquets and other gatherings.
[Source: Sun Hung Kai Properties Inc.]
