Connectivity and Placemaking PROJECTS

The Bowie Byway is the greater trail network in the City resulting from the Trails Master Plan update. We are actively engaged in the beginning phase of the implementation of this trail network by providing feedback on trail segment priorities, design, and placemaking opportunities.

We are also working on advocating for other trails described in the plan such as the WB&A Spur trail, Bowie Heritage Trail, and future trails like the Northview retrofit.

We've successfully lobbied the City Council for funds for the design and construction of each phase of the Bowie Heritage Trail in Old Town. The City's Planning Department is in the process of completing construction of Phase II,  which includes a new urban park at 10th Street, and is planning to begin construction of Phase III in FY 21. Completion of the overall Bowie Heritage Trail will provide an important linkage connecting Old Town, Bowie State University, and the WB&A Trail.

The City of Bowie is making pedestrian safety improvements to Northview Drive. These are improvements that our group has advocated for.  To improve pedestrian and traffic safety, the proposed scope of changes include modifying Northview Drive to reduce from four-lane to 2-lanes road in the area near Easton and Everette Drives, relocating mid-block pedestrian crosswalk to align with the trail, and lighting improvement at the pedestrian crossing. We will remain engaged during the implementation.

Our group participated in a field review of the MD 214 Pedestrian Overpass Study to assess options for building a pedestrian connection across MD 214 to connect the upcoming South Lake development to the South Bowie area near the library. We worked with the city's Planning Department and the contractor overseeing this effort. We provided feedback on each of the options being assessed and stated the option that we thought was best. We look forward to future participation in this study.

The City of Bowie's Trails Master Plan contains a proposed footpath along the Patuxent River.  This will primarily be a project managed by M-NCPPC and our group plans to be involved in advocating for funding for this project in addition to attending meetings and providing feedback on the project.

Our group participated in a number of the County's Focus Group sessions regarding the Bowie-Mitchellville & Vicinity Master Plan.  We are focused on ensuring that plans for the Bowie Focus Areas contain ample features and facilities for outdoor recreation, and social gathering; and that any new trails follow safety standards and connect into, and enhance, the cities existing network as called for in Bowie’s Master Trail Plan.  We will remain engaged throughout the formation of this plan.

The WB&A Spur Trail is a paved, 1.3-mi. side trail that runs north, parallel to the Patuxent River, starting at Horsepen Branch park and terminating just east of Bowie State University. We are planning to work with MNCPP to push for funding for the last part of the spur trail which will cross Bowie State University and connect to the Bowie heritage trail. This effort may also involve working with MNCPP to have the trail constructed under the MD-197 bridge that is over the Amtrak & MARC rails.

The County DPW&T is redesigning Race Track Rd from Marquette Ln to Ovalstone Ln. We've discussed the design with DPW&T and made some changes, including the introduction of a new crosswalk and median protection at all crosswalks. This year we're pushing to lower the speed limit and are awaiting DPW&T's decision.

Tanglewood Park in North Bowie is seen by many local residents as a diamond in the rough - one of Bowie's least known treasures. Well, it has the potential for becoming such a treasure at least. For now, its riddled with its problems and the City has discouraged its public use. Our group has engaged the City about revitalizing this park and have a long way to go, however, are hopeful to see some progress in the future.