Cwmdonkin Park in Swansea's Uplands area has been transformed since the Faye family took over the former tearooms in 2021, turning the site into a bustling community hub that draws crowds of locals and visitors.
The park, established in 1874 and closely tied to the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, now features a bright café named Dylan's, run by Sara and Papi Faye with their sons Dylan and Evan. The couple launched the venture using Papi's redundancy money and savings after he lost his job in a homelessness services hub during the pandemic.
From disrepair to destination
Previous cafés in the park had fallen into disrepair, leading to anti-social behaviour and children gathering at night, which made locals apprehensive about another attempt. Since the Faye family spruced the place up, it has become bright, eye-catching and always busy.
The café and the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park group run events throughout the year, including summer and Christmas parties, animal petting events, circus skills and organised football sessions. The menu offers coffees, matchas, soft drinks, breakfast and lunch options at reasonable prices.
Community at the heart
Hedley Austin, co-chair of The Friends of Cwmdonkin Park, praised the family for how the café has become a community hub. He said: "It has been transformed ever since Papi and Sara took over the coffee shop, because it was empty before, but now it's a real destination."
The park has also seen the addition of a children's play area, tennis courts run by Tennis Wales, and the bowling green has been converted into a designated dog-free recreation area. The Fayes' son Dylan raised funds for two football goals, which were left on the grounds for public use.
Loyal regulars
Regulars Susan Fromhold, Catherine Davies, Angela Leech, Stuart Marks and their dogs Wilson, Snowy and Daisy often meet at Dylan's, having become friends after bonding over their love for the park and their dogs. They have celebrated milestones together, including Susan's 70th birthday.
One of them said: "We've been sat here in the pouring rain sometimes, because we love bringing the dogs down. It's almost like a social club for both owners and dogs."
