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City of Bowie planners are inviting public comment on the future needs and uses of Allen Pond Park as they develop a master plan to guide the funding and phasing-in of park enhancements over the next five to seven years.

City officials will conduct a public meeting Nov. 17 to discuss the master plan and introduce residents to members of Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, PC, of Alexandria, Va., the consultant hired to prepare the plan.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Bowie City Hall, which is located at 2614 Kenhill Drive.

The city will work with the architect to suggest improvements to park facilities that have outlived their useful life or that no longer adequately serve residents, said Matt Reno, a city recreation department project manager.

Rather than replacing facilities in the park piecemeal as they deteriorate, the city wanted to take a comprehensive look at the park's needs, he said.

Priority issues to be addressed through the master plan include replacement of the park's amphitheater and playground, expansion of its restrooms, improvements to picnic sites and better pond access.

No changes to existing athletic fields are anticipated.

The use of a consultant in the development of the master plan will cost the city $25,000, Reno said.

A follow up meeting on the proposed plan will be held Jan. 5. For more information, contact Reno at 301-809-3076 or via e-mail at mreno@cityofbowie.org.

Veterans Day closures

Bowie city offices, the Bowie Senior Center and city museums will be closed on Wednesday in honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

City trash and recycling services will not operate that day; collections will resume on the next regularly scheduled day.

The Ice Arena and Bowie Gymnasium will be open to patrons.