SmartPLAY, a new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system to replace the existing Leisure Link Computerised Booking System, will be launched for user registration starting July 3, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced today.

It will officially provide booking services within or before October, and can accommodate around 10,000 users at the same time.

Available in both website and mobile format, SmartPLAY enables users to register personal accounts, and search and book/enrol for sports and recreation facilities or programmes anytime and anywhere. Users can also make use of 375 Smart Self-service Stations at around 240 leisure venues which offer SmartPLAY services.

Enhanced services

SmartPLAY provides personalised services including self-service check-in of facility sessions and programmes, checking of booked facilities and enrolled programmes, and keeping of records to facilitate future bookings. Users can set preferences and let SmartPLAY prompt them automatically when their favourite facilities or programmes are available for booking or enrolment.

In case special arrangements have to be made for particular venues or programmes due to inclement weather, SmartPLAY will also send e-notifications to alert users.

E-payment and refund application services will also be available, the department added.

Separately, to avoid time clashes of facility sessions, the booking of fee-charging and non-fee charging sports and recreation facilities (such as turf soccer pitches and hard-surface ball courts) will be made in the same balloting application. A user can submit one application with up to three ballot choices each day and will be allocated up to three choices per day.

User registration

People must register as a SmartPLAY user and complete the authentication process before using the new system. This can be done in one go through iAM Smart or the Smart Self-service Stations.

Transition arrangements

The account information of all existing Leisure Link patrons will be transferred to their own SmartPLAY accounts after completion of registration and identity authentication. As a result, Leisure Link services will be suspended in due course.

Booking counters at leisure venues and district leisure service offices will stop providing services in January 2024 and the second half of 2024 respectively after citizens become familiarised with the operation of SmartPLAY. The booking counters will then become service counters which offer customer service and handle matters such as standby arrangement for facilities.