Determine The Future Of Former Bowie Race Track Site, Take Survey, Attend Workshop

BOWIE, MD — The Bowie race track task force would like to know what the community wants done with the race track property after its transferred to the city of Bowie. State law requires the land be dedicated to recreational uses benefitting the Bowie area community and Bowie State.

Some suggestions that have been made already include converting the 150+ acre property into a playground, as walking and hiking trails, or amenities for Bowie State University. It previously was used for thoroughbred horse racing from 1914 to 1985 and as a training facility for other Maryland race tracks.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our community and Bowie State University to work together on a recreational vision for this key property which sits on both of our doorsteps. I am excited about the collaboration and look forward to learning what the recreational needs and wishes are," said Bowie Mayor Tim Adams, one of the City Council representatives serving on the task force.

To help citizens express their opinions, the city has created an 11-question survey that should take less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/brtp_questionnaire will be available until Dec. 20.

There also will be an interactive workshop Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at Bowie State University's student center, 14000 Jericho Park Road, to help guide discussion of the use of this property. Leaders plan to hold a second community workshop in the spring to present a draft plan.