Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan

Location:	North Carolina
Posted:	Mar 11, 2026
Due:	Apr 8, 2026
Agency:	State Government of North Carolina
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	C - Architect and Engineering Services - Construction R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
Solicitation No:	677-PR26-04
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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409 Landing View Dr. Wendell, NC 27591

Telephone: (919) 365-4450 www.townofwendellnc.gov

Town of Wendell

Request for Proposals

Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan

RFP# 677-PR26-04

Information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the North Carolina

electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/.

Provided below is a list of the anticipated schedule of events related to this solicitation. The Town

of Wendell reserves the right to modify and/or adjust this schedule to meet the needs of the project.

All times shown are Eastern Time (ET):

RFP Process Summary

RFP Advertisement Date

Pre-Submittal Conference (if applicable)

Deadline for Questions

Town Response to Questions

(anticipated)

Submittal Due Date and Time

Date and time

March 11, 2026

N/A

March 25, 2026 by 5:00pm

March 30, 2026 by 5:00pm

April 8, 2026 by 3:00pm

RFP – #677-PR26-04

Contents

Project Purpose and Background ............................................................................................................ 3

Scope of Work ........................................................................................................................................ 3

General Requirements and Deliverables ................................................................................................. 6

Proposal Submittal Requirements........................................................................................................... 6

Questions .............................................................................................................................................. 6

Proposal Submittal Format and Contents................................................................................................ 7

Proposal Format ................................................................................................................................. 7

Proposal Content................................................................................................................................ 7

Evaluation Method ................................................................................................................................. 8

Evaluation Criteria .............................................................................................................................. 8

Criteria............................................................................................................................................ 9

(a) ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Weight ............................................................................................................................................ 9

(b) ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Score (0-3) ...................................................................................................................................... 9

(a) x (b) ............................................................................................................................................ 9

Weighted Score ............................................................................................................................... 9

Final Score ...................................................................................................................................... 9

Selection Procedures.......................................................................................................................... 9

Minimum Requirements for Contract Execution .................................................................................... 10

Negotiating with Offerors ...................................................................................................................... 10

Responsibility for Costs ........................................................................................................................ 10

Public Records and Submitted Proposals from the Consultant .............................................................. 10

Consultant Qualifications..................................................................................................................... 11

Conflict of Interest Statement ............................................................................................................... 11

Changes in Personnel ........................................................................................................................... 12

Execution of Proposal........................................................................................................................... 13

RFP – #677-PR26-04

Project Purpose and Background

The Town of Wendell provides public recreation to support a high quality of life for its citizens. Studies

consistently show that ‘quality of life’ matters are highly valued by both residents and visitors, and well-

planned parks, recreational programs and community events play a significant role in fostering community

well-being and economic development. Goal 4 of the Town’s Strategic Plan-Parks, Recreation, Special

Events, and Culture – focuses on establishing facilities, events, and programs that connect the

community, promote healthy lifestyle opportunities, and culturally engage citizens and visitors.

To support this goal, the Town of Wendell is soliciting Proposals from qualified consultants to assist with

developing an updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Town’s current master plan was adopted in

2019, and requires updating to reflect current conditions and standards, evolving community needs, and

best practices in parks and recreation planning. Since the adoption of the plan, the Parks and Recreation

Department has experienced significant growth and change, necessitating a comprehensive update to

ensure alignment with current operations and future goals.

The updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan will serve as a guiding document for future development

and redevelopment of the Town’s parks, green spaces, recreational facilities, and programs over the next

ten (10) years. The plan should establish a clear road map for ensuring equitable access, connectivity, and

proximity to high-quality parks, green spaces, recreation facilities, and programs throughout the

community. The Town seeks a system-wide approach that includes the development of goals, policies

and guidelines, as well as the prioritization of strategies based on existing and projected funding

scenarios.

The Town’s current 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan is available for review at the following link:

https://cms3.revize.com/revize/wendellNC/Documents/Government/Documents/Parks%20and%20Recr

eation%20Master%20Plan/Wendell-Comprehensive-Parks--amp--Recreation-Master-Plan-

Compressed.pdf

Scope of Work

Project Overview

The Town of Wendell is seeking a recreation planning consultant to provide professional services for

updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The updated plan will guide the Town in meeting its

recreation facility, programming and service needs over the next ten (10) years.

The selected Consultant will work closely with Town staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and

other identified stakeholders throughout the planning process. The final Comprehensive Parks and

Recreation Master Plan shall include, at a minimum:

• A comprehensive inventory of all existing parks, facilities, and amenities

• An assessment and analysis of current and future recreation needs

• Recommendations for facilities, programs, and policies

• An implementation strategy to guide phasing and prioritization

RFP – #677-PR26-04

The final plan will be reviewed and presented to the Town’s Board of Commissioners for approval. Town

anticipates completion of Master Plan update within a 12-month time frame or around early 2027.

TASK 1: Inventory and Assessment of Existing Programs, Parks, and Facilities

Consultant will compile a comprehensive inventory and assessment of existing parks, facilities, programs,

and recreational services provided by the Town, as well as relevant services provided by other public,

private, and non-profit organizations within the community.

Program and Service Evaluation

• Assess existing levels of recreation programs and services (public and private) to determine the

adequacy of current recreation opportunities for residents of all ages, abilities, and interests.

• Evaluate current and projected service levels based on population growth, demographic trends,

and industry standards.

• Analyze athletic program capacity relative to existing facilities, including field and court availability,

scheduling constraints, and participation demand.

Facility Inventory and Condition Assessment

• Identify existing Town managed park and facility amenities (e.g., ballfields, courts, playgrounds,

restrooms, shelters), including acreage of parks, and square footage of facilities.

• Evaluate existing facility condition, service level, remaining useful life, and estimated lifecycle

costs.

• Identify ADA accessibility barriers at Town parks, facilities, and program services, and document

compliance gaps.

• Identify and map existing trails, greenways, and natural areas used for recreation, open space and

access. Document their condition, connectivity, and level of use.

• Identify vacant or underutilized land for future potential park system acquisition or development

opportunities.

Staffing and Organization Review

• Review existing Parks and Recreation staffing, including maintenance and recreation divisions.

• Assess staffing levels, organizational structure, and operational capacity.

Benchmarking and Planning Review

• Provide a comparative overview of parks and recreation programs and service levels in peer

municipalities similar to the Town in population size, growth rate, economic characteristics, and

geographic context.

• Review and evaluate the Town’s 2019 Comprehensive Master Plan and its relevance to current

parks and recreation needs and necessary adjustments for future development.

TASK 2: Town Demographics

The Consultant will analyze current and projected demographic and socioeconomic characteristics

relevant to parks and recreation planning, including:

• Population composition and growth trends

RFP – #677-PR26-04

• Age distribution

• Household characteristics

• Economic indicators

• Land use patterns and development trends

The analysis shall identify implications for parks, recreation programs, facilities, and service demand.

TASK 3: Community Input

The Consultant will design and implement a comprehensive community engagement program to gather

meaningful input. Engagement activities include:

• A statistically valid or broadly representative Community Needs Survey assessing current

participation levels, satisfaction with existing parks, programs, and facilities, unmet needs,

priorities and willingness to fund expanded or enhanced services. Survey instrument and

distribution method shall be reviewed and approved by the Town prior to implementation.

• Two (2) public workshops to gather community input, identify priorities, and discuss preliminary

findings at key milestones in the planning process.

• Four (4) focus group interviews with key stakeholder groups

TASK 4: Funding Evaluation

The Consultant will identify and evaluate existing funding sources, practices, and funding levels for parks,

recreation, and related services, including general fund support, grants, user fees and rental fees,

dedicated funding mechanisms, and capital financing approaches.

The funding and financial analysis will assess the adequacy and sustainability of current funding relative to

identified needs and proposed improvement.

TASK 5: Recommendations and Action Plan

Based on the inventory analysis and community input, the Consultant will develop a comprehensive Parks

and Recreation Action Plan that includes:

• Recommended programs, facilities, and amenities

• Land acquisition strategies and facility development strategies, including priority locations and

geographic recommendations for future park and facility development

• Prioritized capital improvement, facility renovation, and land acquisition projects with 5-year and

10-year implementation horizons

• Planning level cost estimates for proposed facilities and improvements

• Recommendations for recreation tourism and development opportunities

• Funding and financing strategies, (e.g., grants, bonds, land dedication ordinances, user fees, and

impact fees)

• Staffing and operational recommendations aligned with proposed service levels

TASK 6: Deliverables

RFP – #677-PR26-04

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Solicitation Number:	677-PR26-04
Project Title:	Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan
Description:	The Town of Wendell is seeking a recreation planning consultant to provide professional services to assist with developing an updated Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan. The updated plan will guide the Town in meeting its recreation facility, programming and service needs over the next ten (10) years.
Opening Date:	4/8/2026 3:00 PM
Posted Date:	3/11/2026
Status:	Open
Department:	TOWN OF WENDELL


Solicitation Number * 677-PR26-04	Department TOWN OF WENDELL	Status Reason Open
Opening Date 2026-04-08T15:00:00.0000000	Posted Date * 2026-03-11T14:41:22.0000000Z	Primary Commodity Code Professional engineering services
Mandatory Conference/Site Visit — —	Special Instructions —	Solicitation Type * Select RFP IFB RFI
Owner Audrey Foster
Description The Town of Wendell is seeking a recreation planning consultant to provide professional services to assist with developing an updated Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan. The updated plan will guide the Town in meeting its recreation facility, programming and service needs over the next ten (10) years.