Feedback is being sought on plans to restore a park made famous by Dylan Thomas.
A consultation event is being held on Monday March 29 where people will have the chance to offer views on proposals to upgrade Cwmdonkin Park.
The event takes place at Pantygwydr Church Hall on Ernald Place in Uplands from 7.30pm and will include the opportunity to look at updated sketches based on previous feedback.
Some of the upgrade ideas so far include the replacing and upgrading of fencing and footpaths, the introduction of new seating, the restoration of outstanding views towards Mumbles and the re-introduction of the some of the original plant species.
Dylan Thomas grew up on Cwmdonkin Drive close to the park and the beauty spot featured in his Hunchback in the Park poem.
A memorial stone to commemorate the poet was placed in the park in 1963 and now Swansea Council is hoping to upgrade the attraction to mark the centenary of his birth in 2014.
The Council has already secured a £19,400 development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and will submit detailed plans for the park’s restoration under round two of the funding process.
Further feedback from the public is now needed to help shape those plans.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “Dylan Thomas is Swansea’s most famous son and his appeal across the world is timeless.
“A great deal is already done here in Swansea to remember his life and the far-reaching influence of his work but it’d be wonderful if Cwmdonkin Park could be upgraded to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.
“The views of the public have been instrumental in shaping the application process to date and will be just as important as the plans move forward.”
Jennifer Stewart, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “This project aims to bring one of Swansea’s most renowned urban parks back to its former glory for the benefit of local people and future generations.
“Parks are enjoyed by everyone and play a vital role in improving the environment, community life and people’s feelings of wellbeing. As such, we have awarded a development grant in recognition of the project’s potential and the benefits it could bring to the local area.
“This grant will help the Council develop their plans fully in order to compete for a firm award.”
Copies of the presentation material will be available at www.swansea.gov.uk/cwmdonkin from March 29 so people who can’t attend on the night can also have a look.
Anyone with questions or queries is asked to contact Sian Seabrook of Swansea Council at [email protected] or 01792 635487.
