Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council briefed on Bowie Racetrack Task Force report; land transfer and phased development discussed
Summary
City planning staff and task force members summarized the 2023 Bowie Racetrack Task Force report, describing potential uses for the 180‑acre site, required due diligence, phased development and the need for interagency funding and maintenance agreements.
City planning staff and members of the Bowie Racetrack Task Force presented an update to the City of Bowie Council on Sept. 15 about the task force report produced in 2023 and next steps as the property approaches transfer to the city.
“For the record, Richard Hall, director of planning sustainability,” Hall said, introducing Robert Day, who chaired the task force. The presenters said the task force engaged broad community input, including equestrian groups, cricket organizers, Bowie State University and nearby residents, to identify preferred uses for the roughly 180‑acre site.
Task force members reported recurring themes from public workshops: connectivity to the WB&A Trail, conservation and access to the waterway, picnic and year‑round passive‑use areas, athletic fields and educational and innovation opportunities tied to Bowie State University. The equestrian community emphasized preserving equestrian uses and the site’s role in Bowie’s racing history.
Robert Day and planning staff said the project is large and long term. They told council due diligence — including sediment and site studies — is underway and that the land transfer will require coordination with state agencies, Bowie State University and potential funding partners. They emphasized the need for a memorandum of understanding that clarifies maintenance responsibilities and a phased approach to site preparation and construction.
“We're talking about a 180 acre space. That's a huge space. This is a massive opportunity for the city of Bowie to make a major change in the recreation opportunities within our city,” Day said. He added that project elements with potential noise or light impacts should be sited away from adjacent neighborhoods.
Council members asked about connectivity with nearby Saddlebrook East Park and potential shared amenities such as kayak/canoe access. Planning staff said Saddlebrook East is a county property and that formal connectivity was not part of the task force’s deliverable but that county staff had indicated willingness to discuss shared access and related parcels.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was provided to inform council about the task force’s findings and the next steps related to due diligence and land transfer negotiations.
