Use & Facilities

Bowie Park & Nature Center

Nature Center

The center offers the opportunity for park visitors to learn more about Bowie Nature Park itself with nature exhibits, brochures and art. The Bowie museum, in the visitor’s area of the center is sponsored by the Friends of Bowie Nature Park. The museum provides the history of the Bowie family and the history of the park, their gift to Fairview. The center contains a “Discovery Room” as well as being a classroom that will offer a hands on learning environment encouraging people to discover our natural wonders. The center also contains staff offices and public restrooms.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND THANKS GO TO THE FOLLOWING NATURE CENTER CONTRIBUTORS:

Dean Shelton – Common Birds of the Feeder Painting, Tracy England – Wildlife Paintings, Wiley Mangrum – Nature Collections, Tommy Scails – Ceramic Plate, Lisa Parham – Butterfly Mural and exhibit design, Anton Weiss – Heart of Bowie Nature Park – Sculpture, Gene Elliott – Wetland Painting, Betty Hyche – Photographs “From Egg to Fledge”, Mary Clinard – Painting, Paul Davison – Elk Antlers, Dave Brogan – Pelts, Basket, Arrow Heads, Petsmart – Aquariums, D&H Concrete – Track Stepping Stones, Lisa Parham – Butterfly Mural, Mac McGeehee – Bench, Eileen Brogan – Topographical Map, Keven Barnhill HWY & Taxidermy Studio – Several Animal Mounts

Joann's Outdoor Classroom

Janie Wells had Joann’s Outdoor Classroom built in Bowie Nature Park Oct. 2002 in memory of her daughter Joann Tiesler. Ms. Wells wished to donate something to the park as a memorial for her daughter Joann whose life ended on October 7, 2001. The classroom is a 1,000 square foot facility that can seat 100 people and features a stage, 2 lockable storage areas, mobile tables and benches, a wooden fence with gates, tin roof and even a copula with a bell. Its primary use is as an outdoor classroom to support the park and schoolteachers when students come to the park for nature classes. The classroom is designed to be as multifunctional as possible.

Memorial Walkway

Visitors to Joann’s Outdoor Classroom pass along the memorial walkway. There are footprints embedded in this tranquil sidewalk and an engraved brick next to the footprints. The bricks have been placed in memory of children who have died and the footprints represent the endearing spirit of these children entering the classroom along side the living children carrying with them the joy of childhood.

BOWIE PARK EVENT RENTALS & FEES

At Bowie Nature Park we’re pleased to have a number of areas and facilities which can be rented for your upcoming event or outing. Social Clubs, Churches, Businesses, Families Gatherings, Wedding Receptions… whatever your next event, we invite you to come and share it with us.

DOWNLOAD SHELTER RESERVATION FORM

Picnic Shelter Fee Schedules:
Fairview Residents:
1/2 day $20.00
Full day $40.00

Non-Residents:
1/2 day $30.00
Full day $60.00

Shelter 1 Description
8-tables and a Grill – will seat 30 people (maximum)
Shelter 1 is located on the west side of Lake Van closest to the restroom. There is an additional charge of $10.00 for electricity.

Shelter 2 Description
8 tables and a grill – will seat 50 (maximum) people
Shelter 2 is located on the east side of Lake Van.

All groups are required to clean up all trash and litter at the shelter after their picnic. All trash must be placed in the trashcans located at the shelters. Do not leave food on the ground and around the shelters for wildlife.

Nature Center Fee Schedules:
Description: Please call
Capacity: Please call
Fees: Please call

Joann’s Classroom Fee Schedules:
All Rentals $75 [and must be approved by parks department]

Park Events (Fund Raisers)

  • Expected attendance of 1000 + people -$500.00
  • Expected attendance of 500 to 999 people – $250.00
  • Expected attendance of 500 to 125 people – $125.00