City Trails Master Plan Update Completed

The City Council held public hearings on the proposed Trails Master Plan and Complete Street Policy on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. On September 16, 2019 the City Council approved Resolutions R-62-19 (Complete Streets Policy) and R-70-19 (City Trails Master Plan).

Approved Bowie Trails Master Plan and Complete Streets Policy

• Bowie Trails Master Plan with signed Resolution R-70-19 / 9-19-20
• R-62-19 Approved Complete Streets Policy

Approved Trails Plan Maps

• Proposed Trail Network
• Proposed Trail Network Neighborhood Park/School Linkages
• Proposed Trail Network Long Term:  The Greater Bowie Loop
• Preferred Trail Network - Segment Responsibility

Other Project Mapping

• Destinations Map
• Existing and Planned Trails Map
• Trail Opportunities
• Existing Conditions Map
• Trails Gap Analysis
• Common Trail Segments & MDOT/SHA Trail Segments

Trails Plan Update Process

In November 2018, the firm of Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, P.C., of Alexandria, Virginia was hired to prepare an update to the City’s Trails Master Plan.  Lardner/Klein specializes in the planning, design and management of public landscapes, including greenways, trails, complete streets, parks, historic places, and neighborhoods.  The firm has developed master plans for Whitemarsh Park and Allen Pond Park in the City, as well as one for nearby Watkins Regional Park operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. 

The City’s Trails Master Plan was originally approved in 2002.  The City Council adopted the policy plan and trail map, which have been used to guide the City’s Capital Improvement Program, grant applications and several revisions to City standards.  An interim update occurred in 2008 when The Bowie Heritage Trail system was endorsed by the City Council. Given the number of years that have passed since the last update, and the ongoing emphasis on Food and Wellness activities in the City’s 2016 Sustainability Plan, an update to the Trails Master Plan is needed.  

Learn more about the Trails Plan Update process.