Founded in 1883 by Louisa Coxon after she and a number of friends asked the colonial secretary for “a small piece of land for the purpose of health and recreation”, the Ladies Recreational Club, more commonly referred to as LRC is one of the most sought-after sports and recreation clubs in Hong Kong, sitting on prime real estate just south of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Membership was originally women only, almost as a reaction to the male only clubs such as the Hong Kong Club, but membership has since been opened to men and children of all nationalities. Though guests are welcome to attend with a member on occasion, proper membership of the LRC is required for repeat visits. Proper dress, appropriate for the sport when playing, or appropriate for the setting during socializing afterwards is required of all members, and dress codes are enforced by staff. ==== Facilities ==== The LRC hosts 10 tennis courts, including 2 indoor courts, and has hard courts, clay courts and grass courts, with lighting for evening or nighttime games, and features two badminton and two squash courts in addition. Besides racket sports, the LRC has a bowling alley with four lanes, a fitness center, a golf simulator and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. For less physical activities, the LRC has a highly active bridge club, as well as a small library. ==== Services ==== The LRC hosts a five star restaurant and a separate wine bar which regularly organises wine tastings and the club features a spa with massage parlour and hair salon. Trainers for the various sports offered at the LRC are available though they need to be paid for separately, and group classes can be booked for a variety of purposes including chess, yoga, arts and crafts and dance. Though daycare is not officially offered as a service, the LRC has a full daytime program of activities and classes that children can attend. The LRC Charitable Foundation regularly hosts charity events.