The Request for Proposal (RFP) specified that playgrounds are to be designed for youth 5-12 years of age and were not to include swings but should include climbing structures, spiral slides, monkey bars, individual play features, and an engineered wood fiber fall surface. Integrated shade was also to be attached to the play structure. The proposals must be ADA-accessible and meet current CPSC, IPEMA, and ASTM specifications. Option 1 was for playgrounds at Market and Harrison with various elements, and Option 2 was for playgrounds at Market and Harrison with different features.
The selection and award process was two parts. First, an Evaluation Committee consisting of one Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board (PARFAB) Member, the assigned PARFAB Council Member, the Special Projects Manager and Former Parks and Recreation Director, the Parks Superintendent, and the current Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed and scored the proposals based on several criteria identified in the RFP to select a preferred vendor. Secondly, a final design would be chosen from the options proposed and neighborhood feedback. With few options available and a desire to complete the project before the snow flies, staff felt that neighborhood feedback was unnecessary. However, a neighborhood information campaign is ongoing, including mailings to nearby residents, a door-to-door information campaign by one PARFAB Member and the PARFAB-assigned City Council Member, and information posted to the City's website and social media sites. Should neighbors desire to provide feedback, they were encouraged to call or email comments to the Parks and Recreation Director.
The RFP requested the submission of a Fitness Station option for the Market Street Pocket Park, possibly in lieu of a playground. The evaluation committee strongly felt that a playground should be a priority for both sites. While the Fitness Station option was scored, it was not seriously contemplated.
The Evaluation Committee considered color, elements provided, installation date (2023), whether it was consistent with existing playgrounds, proprietary maintenance equipment required, value for the dollar (number of elements for the dollar), and price as the primary items to evaluate. The factors influencing the scoring were design creativity, compatibility with existing playgrounds, delivery, installation timeline, and value and cost.
Manufacturers are required to install playgrounds and engineered wood fiber fall surfaces. It was noted in all submitted proposals that a relatively extensive lead time was needed, and installation would occur late in the fall and be complete in early winter, weather permitting.
Based on the selection criteria, the proposal ranking follows:
| Ranking |
Company |
Cost |
| 1 |
A to Z Recreation Products |
$166,601 |
| 2 |
Altitude Recreation |
$160,000 |
| 3 |
Rocky Mountain Recreation |
$144,983 |
| 4 |
Recreation Plus |
$114,723 |
| 5 |
Star Playgrounds |
$159,877 |
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The City of Cortez Parks and Recreation Department planned to begin construction on the South Side Park this year. Many things changed regarding that site, and with dialogue between Department Staff, Parks, Recreation and Forestry Advisory Board, and City Administration, it was determined that it would be better to install playgrounds in the two pocket parks at Market Street and Harrison Street. This project was placed in the 2023 budget. Bid documents were prepared and advertised. Bids were received from five (5) firms with a total of eight (8) different options. Each firm was allowed to submit two (2) playground options per location and one (1) fitness option instead of a playground at Market Street.
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