Recommend Playground and Site Improvements for Elmcrest Park

In March of 2015 City Council authorized Staff and the Park and Recreation Commission to proceed with various 2015 Parks Capital Improvements, including the playground project for Elmcrest Park.  A comprehensive Request for Proposal was developed for a not-to-exceed amount of $90,000 to be funded by the Lawful Gambling Improvement Fund; for the playstructure elements, as well as seating, and landscape in the vicinity of the new Community Building.  This RFP was sent to approximately 25 landscape architectural firms and playground purveyors, with the intention that they form a collaborative to provide a 'winning' design for the proposed improvements, worthy of the park and building's prominence in the community.  Five proposals were received by the deadline for submission on May 6th, 2015.

The purpose of this case is for the Commission to carefully examine all elements of each of the five, separate proposals—and make a recommendation to City Council on the proposal that represents the best value to the community, in relation to the many goals expressed within the RFP.  Five proposals were received and the associated PDF files are attached.

Upon careful evaluation of all details of the five proposals, the Commission should list the attributes (in summary) of the winning design, and include these within the motion recommending City Council approval.

To aid in the Commission's critique and assessment, Staff will attempt to have for the meeting (and at the open house) an evaluation form derived from the RFP.

The 2015 Parks Capital Improvement Program has scheduled $100,000 within the Lawful Gambling Improvement Fund for the playground related project, including a minor trail realignment and irrigation for the sodded areas ($10,000 for this, plus the $90,000 playground).

Staff, together with any residents attending the 6 PM Open House will assist the Commission in the playground evaluation and subsequent recommendation to Council.

Motion to recommend City Council approve _______________'s proposal in a not-to-exceed amount of $90,000 for the Elmcrest Park playground project.