The park encompasses 250 acres. An ornamental garden is located in the south, near the entrance to Swansea University, while a walled botanical garden is located in the park centre. On the south-western corner, past the hospital and the university, is a boating lake, as well as a miniature golf course.[1]
History
The park was originally part of the Vivian family estate. It was purchased by Swansea County Borough Council in 1919 for use as a public park. Park superintendent Daniel Bliss, who was trained at Kew Gardens, was conceived of the Singleton Farm botanical gardens and Ornamental Gardens. He was the main driver behind the purchase of the estate.[1]
Singleton Park has several formal gardens in addition to the Botanical Garden, there is an Italianate Garden and ornamental garden.
Botanical Gardens
Originally called the Educational Gardens the botanical gardens were opened on 25th May 1926 housing a collection of economic plants and British flora. During the second world war part of the gardens were used for growing vegetables as part of the Dig for Victory campaign.
The Botanical Garden in Singleton Park
The original wooden glasshouses were replaced in 1987 as they had become unsafe, and replaced by aluminium structures. Ty Blodau (English: Flower House) is a purpose-built education and visitors center opened in 2006, funded by the Friends of the City of Swansea Botanical Complex.
A Wildflower/Wellbeing Garden was created as an extension to the botanical gardens in 2017, creating a little slice of wild among the more formal settings of the traditional garden.
The Friends of the City of Swansea Botanical Complex commissioned the creation of a bi-lingual commemorative panel to celebrate the Centenary of Singleton Park being in public ownership. The panel will be displayed in the Botanical Gardens. This panel was unveiled by descendants of the Vivian family on Sunday 4 August 2019. In 2022 the park, including the former gardens of Sketty Hall, was listed at Grade I on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.[5]
Structures
Buildings
A Swiss cottage is located inside the park. It was designed by architect P.F. Robinson, who designed Sketty Hall as well as other lodges in the park.[6] The cottage was badly damaged in 2010 in an arson attack, but was restored.[7] The lakeside pub, Inn on the Lake, became so well known as The Pub On the Pond that the owner later gave in and changed the name.
