Allen Pond Park — Attraction in Bowie

Family and public park for a good 60 years. Grew up around this park and have lived here most of my life. We wanted to have a very small birthday play date for my daughter's 3rd birthday for 3 hours or so and reserved a spot. It was $75 for the spot and another $75 deposit for the spot in case we don't clean up. We arrived there and were promptly met by a ranger to make sure we were the ones who reserved that spot as we set up, which is a plus. However that was the extent of the service we paid for as our area had a couple good tables but 2 rust trap grills that should have been replaced 10 years ago. I got coals going but had to cook over foil to not give all the kids rusty hot dogs. I brought a grill scraper and really tried to work it over but it was more rust than steel. Next part, they stressed about us throwing away our trash and keeping the area clean. There were not even any trash liners in any of the cans and the recycling bin was equally unchecked. I asked myself at least 10x what they thought the $75 + $75 was paying for us to be there when we can't even get some trash liners. Thank God my wife brought some or maybe we would have lost our $75 deposit as well. It is a great spot but a joke for them to charge what they charge for you to try to grill on a pile of rust and dispose of your waste in unlined trash cans. Great playground nearby but you may want to wheel in your own grill or have the party at your own place. I felt like we brought 2 carload of stuff and spent all kinds of money for me to feel like I was cooking food on top of scrap metal and waiting for ranger approval to leave said...

Over the years, this park has fluctuated in quality, like most parks. But as someone who's grown up in bowie and has experienced this park at different stages of life, I can comfortably say it has always been a consistently positive experience. There is a myriad of activities from the local ice rink, to evening bands at their Amphitheater, to a skate park. The playgrounds are large and always full of kids and their parents, boat rides use to be available on the weekends (not sure anymore), a trail for walking/running which is approximately .7 miles long and can easily be stretched depending on the trails you take. There is a small but fantastic space for those looking for calisthenic training. Fishing is possible though I am unfamiliar. There are fields: turf and grass, baseball fields, a basketball court, and you can easily find space to picnic or reserve spaces for you and/or your events. Of course, there was a time where I was "too old" to hang out at this park, but now, with kids of my own, and having an active lifestyle, I've found myself rediscovering the beauty and peaceful yet lively space that Allen Pond...

Great park for the family. I love that it has two playgrounds and a walking path around a scenic pond where you can watch the ducks. If you're lucky, you might catch the ice cream truck. I've attended birthday parties and seen many picnics here I think the grills and picnic areas are first come, first served. The playgrounds can get crowded, so be prepared to keep a close eye on your child. I don't recommend walking around the pond alone at night or when the park is empty, as there are secluded areas with many trees. I usually visit when I expect others to be there and prefer to walk behind another female or family. The park shares a parking lot with Bowie Ice Arena, which is convenient if your child has...