Consideration and Approval of Contract: Development of a Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events (PROSE) Master Plan by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $199,530.00.
 

1. Approve the contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for a PROSE Master Plan for an amount not to exceed $199,530.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division (PROSE) was created in 2022 and is in need of a new Master Plan to establish updated goals, priorities, and strategies that reflect current community needs and City Council priorities. The last Parks and Recreation Master Plan was adopted by City Council in 2013 and is no longer representative of those values. In 2025, a Request for Proposals was advertised through Planet Bids, and 11 proposals were submitted. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Kimley-Horn and Associates was identified as the top scoring proposer. Their proposal and price includes a robust community engagement process with multiple open houses and focus groups, inclusive of typically under-represented partners, a statistically valid survey, presentations and work with both the Parks and Recreation and Open Space Commissions, and presentations to City Council. The consultant will work closely with staff to ensure alignment with other City adopted plans, including the Active Transportation Master Plan, the updated Regional Plan, the Carbon Neutrality Plan, and the 10-year Housing Plan, as applicable. Other City divisions and programs, including Planning and Development Services, Engineering, and Indigenous Initiatives, will be involved along the way to ensure an inclusive and comprehensive final product that will lay the groundwork for PROSE in the coming years.

Project Name: PROSE Master Plan
Cost: $199,530.00
Account Number Budgeted: 001-11-155-0560-5-4206
FY2025-26 Budgeted Amount: $200,000.00
Grant Funded: No
Funding Source: General Fund

None.

1. Approve the contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates as presented; or,
2. Not approve this contract and direct staff toward an alternate mechanism for PROSE planning.

On October 1st, 2025, the City of Flagstaff published a Request for Proposals (RFP). Solicited in Arizona Daily Sun on October 7th and 14th, 2025. On November 17th, 2025 eleven proposals were received. Five evaluators made up of PROSE along with additional City of Flagstaff staff conducted an evaluation review of all the proposals. The group met to discuss their evaluations and reached a final consensus on scoring for the highest ranked firm to begin negotiations with the Project Manager. After successful agreement between City Legal, Project Manager, and vendor, PROSE is requesting for Council award.
The following are the top scoring firms: 
1st: Kimley Horn - 437 points
2nd: Conservation Technix - 420 points
3rd: Logan Simpson - 404 points

High Performing Governance: Implement and communicate innovative and efficient local government programs, new ideas, and best practices.
Safe and Healthy Community: Promote physical and mental well-being through providing recreational opportunities, parks, open space, and active transportation options.
Inclusive and Engaged Community: Proactively foster community representation and civic engagement by enhancing opportunities for public involvement, in line with best practices;  facilitate and foster equity, diversity, and inclusivity, including support of trauma-informed policies and practices; ensure City facilities, services, and programs are accessible for all residents and representative of Flagstaff’s diverse community.
Livable Community: Provide amenities and activities that support a healthy lifestyle.
Environmental Stewardship: Promote, protect, and enhance a healthy, sustainable environment and its natural resources; engage community members through education and volunteer opportunities.

Policy LU.6.4. Provide appropriate recreational and cultural amenities to meet the needs of residents.
Policy LU.10.5. Consider vacant and underutilized parcels within the City’s existing urban neighborhoods as excellent locations for contextual redevelopment that adds housing, shopping, employment, entertainment, and recreational options for nearby residents and transit patrons. 
Policy LU.10.9. Civic spaces must be well designed, accessible, and central to the urban fabric.
Policy LU.11.8. Maintain and enhance Heritage Square and Wheeler Park as critical civic space for social gathering and community well-being.
Policy LU.13.8. Locate civic spaces, parks, and institutional uses within neighborhood pedestrian sheds.
Policy LU.13.9. Use open space and FUTS trails to provide walking and biking links from residential uses to employment, shopping, schools, parks, and neighborwoods.
Policy LU.13.10. Protect wildlife corridors where appropriate.
Policy LU.14.1. Maintain rural growth boundaries to preserve the integrity of open spaces identified in the Greater Flagstaff Open Spaces and Greenways Plan and updates. 
Policy NH.1.6. New development, especially on the periphery, will contribute to completing neighborhoods, including interconnecting with other neighborhoods; providing parks, civic spaces, and a variety of housing types; and protecting sensitive natural and cultural features.
Goal REC.1. Maintain and grow the region’s healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.


 

IR-1. Protect natural areas and ecosystem services that are most vulnerable to the impacts of increased visitation and climate change.
IR-2. Ensure equity, accessibility, and inclusion across all City of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation facilities, helping all members of the Flagstaff community to meet their health and wellness needs.
IR-3. Plan for changes to recreation, reduce emissions, and respond to the impacts of climate change on current Parks and Recreation facilities and operations.
HF-1. Protect existing forests, resources, and meaningful open spaces.
HF-5. Encourage diverse native plant ecosystems in the built environment.
HS-4. Improve the resilience of public infrastructure and City facilities.

There is no connection to the 10-year Housing Plan.