Request for Proposals for Professional Services for Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study for the City of Moab

Project Description: Project Background
The City of Moab is a community of just over 5,000 residents in the City limits but serves a regional area of approximately 10,000. City of Moab and Grand County, Utah are home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Utahraptor State Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Colorado River, La Sal mountains, and other wild lands with renowned recreation around every red rock cliff, attracting over 3 million visits each year.
The entry to Moab from the north is at the Colorado River and the intersection of US-191 and SR-128 where Lions Park is a gateway to Moab's natural wonders. Lions Park is a heavily utilized recreation hub situated a few short miles from Arches National Park, serving residents and visitors alike. Park amenities include a pedestrian bridge, pavilion, water, bathrooms, bouldering area, and connections to a regional trail system and potential future access to the Colorado River. Utah Department of Transportation owns the majority of the northern Lions park property, which is maintained and operated by the City of Moab. Grand County owns a portion near the pedestrian bridge.
To explore this potential, the City of Moab was awarded a State of Utah, Division of Outdoor Recreation, Utah Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) grant to complete the Lions Park River Access Feasibility Study. Excerpts from the proposal are in Appendix A. ORI aims to be a leading national model for effective, collaborative, and sustainable management of outdoor recreation infrastructure. By leveraging municipal, state, federal, and private resources, ORI seeks to create a lasting legacy of well-preserved public recreation opportunities that provide a variety of recreational experiences that strengthen local communities and foster a deep connection between people and the great outdoors.
This feasibility study aims to explore viable options for improving and sustaining river access, considering existing infrastructure (covered picnic pavilion, trails, etc.) and the area's importance as a recreational and transportation hub. Additionally, it will include the design for nonmotorized boat ramps, washing stations for watercraft and people, removing invasive plants, landscaping, and installing ADA-accessible pathways with pedestrian amenities such as lighting, benches, and wayfinding. Due to the future impact of construction on the river and wildlife, an extensive NEPA process is expected and is included in this study.
Objectives
1. Assess feasibility of river access improvements at Lions Park for multiple uses, including swimming and nonmotorized watercraft.
2. Complete regulatory analyses, including NEPA, to guide future implementation and minimize impacts to the river and wildlife.
3. Evaluate vegetation and habitat modifications necessary, including invasive plant removal and native vegetation restoration.
4. Create a concept design for safe and ADA-accessible river access that connects with existing park and trail infrastructure.
5. Identify costs, phasing, and next steps for implementation.