The area which was once home to Swansea's historic racecourse is set to be transformed with an array of native trees, a wetland area, seating and pathways under a "master plan" being developed by the council.
Penlan Slopes was, in the 19th century, home to an impressive 2,500 seater enclosed grandstand and a racecourse featuring a paddock, private stand and telegraph office, attracting between 30,000 and 50,000 spectators on the first day alone.
It continued until June, 1889, but dwindling attendance spelt the end for the course which had offered so much promise.
In recent years, it has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with fly-tipping, burnt out cars and motorbike scramblers among the problems blighting the area.
Swansea Council's housing service has now revealed it is looking to make some major improvements to the area as part of its commitment to achieve the environmental aspect of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.
The aim, it says, is to "create environments that can be enjoyed by the community, that are attractive, safe and secure, encourage children to play, improve the quality of life for residents in areas that they are proud to live in, maintain and enhance biodiversity, protect Swansea’s green spaces, and promote health and well-being."
Penlan slopes is predominately composed of dry heath and grassland with smaller areas dominated by scrub.
The site is important for a number of species of flora and fauna including the protected small blue butterfly and early marsh orchid.
The masterplan includes resurfaced and improved stone dust paths, proposed new stone dust paths for pedestrian and push bike use, and plans to improve the routes.
There would be a recycled plastic boardwalk through an improved wetland area, protected by fencing.
There would also be formal bench seating, and boulders to protect entrances.
Native tree planting is also proposed to reduce waterflow and improve bio-diversity, whilst the land will be remodelled to stop motorbikes getting access, and slow down waterflow.
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There are proposed seating areas, which would be levelled and set into the slope, and new and improved access to the site.
Mayor of Swansea and councillor for the area, Peter Black said: "This investment by the council is long overdue and very welcome. The racecourse is potentially a fantastic resource for the local communities which surround it, and is used regularly by dog walkers and for other recreational purposes such as blackberry picking.
"We have struggled in the past to contain abuses such as motorbike scramblers, fly-tipping and burnt out cars, so additional proposals to restrict access to vehicles is especially welcome, as is the emphasis on biodiversity, making the most of what is there already to create an enjoyable and green recreational space for everybody."
Swansea Council cabinet member for homes and energy, councillor Andrea Lewis said: "We want to hear from residents in the communities near to the Racecourse who want to see some improvements to the area. We are already carrying out important upgrades to council tenants homes as part of our efforts to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS).
"Part of this work and the requirements of the WHQS is to consider the wider environmental characteristics of communities in Swansea and make improvement where possible. Our aim is to look at what we can do to ensure the racecourse is better used by residents."
Some of the ideas for the transformation can be viewed on plans that have been placed in Brynhyfryd and Penlan libraries, with feedback sheets to allow people to comment.
The plans will be available until October 31, with the authority welcoming views on what people feel could be done to improve the site and make it more attractive and usable for the community.
Alternatively, people can call Penlan District Housing Office on 01792 582704 or e-mail Penlan.DistrictHousingOffice@swansea.gov.uk
