Use & Facilities

The center is where park visitors learn more about Bowie Nature Park itself, through nature exhibits, brochures and art. The Bowie museum, in the visitor’s area, is sponsored by the Friends of Bowie Nature Park and tells the history of the Bowie family and of the park, their gift to Fairview.

The center also contains a Discovery Room and a classroom offering a hands-on learning environment, along with staff offices and public restrooms.

Janie Wells had Joann’s Outdoor Classroom built at Bowie Nature Park in October 2002 in memory of her daughter, Joann Tiesler, whose life ended on October 7, 2001.

The classroom is a 1,000 square foot facility that seats 100 people. It has a stage, two lockable storage areas, mobile tables and benches, a wooden fence with gates, a tin roof and a cupola with a bell. Its primary use is as an outdoor classroom supporting park staff and schoolteachers when students come for nature classes, and it is designed to be as multifunctional as possible.

Memorial Walkway. Visitors to the classroom pass along the memorial walkway. Footprints are embedded in this tranquil sidewalk, each beside an engraved brick. The bricks have been placed in memory of children who have died, and the footprints represent the endearing spirit of those children entering the classroom alongside the living children, carrying with them the joy of childhood.

Fairview residents: half day $20.00, full day $40.00
Non-residents: half day $30.00, full day $60.00

Shelter 1. Eight tables and a grill, seats 30 people maximum. Located on the west side of Lake Van, closest to the restroom. There is an additional charge of $10.00 for electricity.

Shelter 2. Eight tables and a grill, seats 50 people maximum. Located on the east side of Lake Van.

All groups are required to clean up trash and litter at the shelter after their picnic, and all trash must go in the trashcans at the shelters. Please do not leave food on the ground or around the shelters for wildlife.

Nature Center. For description, capacity and fees, please call (615) 799-5544.

Joann’s Classroom. All rentals $75, and must be approved by the parks department.

Park events and fund raisers.
Expected attendance of 1,000 or more people: $500.00
Expected attendance of 500 to 999 people: $250.00
Expected attendance of 125 to 500 people: $125.00