Request for Proposals - Nature Center Feasibility Study, Business Plan, and Concept Development

Zionsville Park and Recreation Department
Request for Proposals
Nature Center Feasibility Study, Business Plan, and Concept Development
RFP Issue Date August 13, 2026
Proposal Due Date October 2nd, 2026 3:00 pm
Introduction
The Town of Zionsville, by and through its Board of Parks and Recreation ("Park Board") and the
Zionsville Parks Foundation ("Parks Foundation"), invite qualified consulting firms to submit
proposals to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the potential development of a
Nature Center serving the residents of Zionsville and visitors of the Carpenter Nature Preserve.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the viability, scale, operational requirements, financial
sustainability, and community impact of a future nature center that would support
environmental education, nature-based recreation, conservation awareness, and public
engagement.
The selected consultant will provide a data-driven assessment and recommendations regarding
facility development, staffing, operations, revenue generation, and long-term sustainability.
Organizational Background
Platted in 1852, the Town of Zionsville is located in Boone County, Indiana and is approximately
20 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis. Zionsville is comprised of approximately 67
square miles with an estimated population of 33,161 (2024). The town consolidated the
townships of Union and Eagle (2010) and the unincorporated portion of Perry (2016) into its
jurisdiction. In doing this, it has a unique footprint and is bifurcated by an adjoining jurisdiction.
The excellence of Zionsville's school system, historic Main Street, 800 acres of parkland, vibrant
community events and unparalleled quality of life attract families and businesses who seek a
small-town atmosphere that's just minutes away from the big city amenities.
Zionsville's community has a deep affinity for its parks, shaped by defining features such as
Eagle Creek and the Big-4 Rail Trail-two corridors that serves as the central spines of an
interconnected system of pathways, parks, and trails. Additionally, a grassroots community
effort organized the original nature center which has been in operation for over 20 years.

Currently located within the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library, the nature center serves
over 30,000 visitors a year and provides nature-based programming to area schools, scouts,
organizations, and the public.
To meet the needs of a growing community and fulfill the core mission of nature-based
education and exploration in Zionsville, the Park Board and Parks Foundation seek to begin the
process of developing a regional nature center at the Carpenter Nature Preserve and select a
qualified firm to conduct a comprehensive and data-driven feasibility study.
Project Goals
The feasibility study should provide clear recommendations regarding:
1. Whether a nature center is financially and operationally viable.
2. Appropriate facility size, scope, and amenities.
3. Expected community demand and utilization.
4. Staffing requirements and organizational impacts.
5. Capital construction costs and development phasing.
6. Sustainable operational funding strategies.
7. Potential earned revenue opportunities.
8. Long-term financial performance and business sustainability.
Scope of Services
The consultant shall provide all services necessary to complete the study, including but not
limited to the following components.
1. Existing Conditions Assessment
* Review existing planning documents, strategic plans, master plans, and relevant studies.
* Evaluate current environmental education, interpretive, and public programming
efforts.
* Assess existing facilities and available sites.

* Identify opportunities and constraints for development.
2. Community Needs and Market Analysis
* Conduct stakeholder interviews.
* Facilitate public engagement activities.
* Assess community demand for environmental education, nature-based recreation, and
visitor services.
* Analyze demographic and market trends.
* Identify target audiences and user groups.
* Benchmark comparable nature centers regionally and nationally.
Deliverables:
* Community needs assessment
* Market demand analysis
* Benchmarking report
3. Facility Program and Concept Development
Develop recommendations regarding:
* Building size, space allocation, and proposed location
* Exhibit and interpretive areas
* Classrooms and educational spaces
* Community gathering spaces
* Administrative offices
* Restrooms and visitor amenities
* Maintenance and operational support spaces
Deliverables:

* Conceptual facility program
* Space needs assessment
* Preliminary facility recommendations
4. Staffing and Operational Study
Conduct a comprehensive staffing analysis that evaluates:
* Organizational structure
* Staffing needs at opening and full build-out
* Position descriptions and responsibilities
* Seasonal and part-time staffing requirements
* Salary and benefits projections
* Operational workflows
* Maintenance and facility management needs
Deliverables:
* Recommended organizational chart
* Staffing plan
* Personnel cost projections
* Operational model recommendations
5. Capital Cost Estimating
Develop planning-level construction cost estimates for multiple development scenarios.
Analysis should include:
* Site development costs
* Building construction costs
* Utility infrastructure

* Cost associated with sustainable design and certification of the project
* Parking and access improvements
* Exhibit and interpretive installations
* Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
* Professional services
* Contingency allowances
* Escalation assumptions
Consultant should provide:
* Low-range scenario
* Mid-range scenario
* Expanded vision scenario
Deliverables:
* Detailed capital cost estimates
* Cost assumptions and methodology
* Phasing recommendations
6. Revenue Generation and Business Planning
Prepare a comprehensive revenue generation strategy addressing both earned and contributed
income opportunities based on the existing use restrictions applicable to the site.
Potential revenue sources may include:
* Program fees
* Memberships
* Facility rentals
* Camps and educational programs

* Special events
* Retail operations
* Sponsorships
* Grants
* Individual donations
* Corporate partnerships
* Endowment opportunities
Consultant shall evaluate:
* Revenue potential for each source
* Required staffing and resources
* Financial risks and opportunities
* Industry best practices
Deliverables:
* Revenue generation plan
* Business model recommendations
* Funding strategy framework
7. Financial Feasibility Analysis
Develop a multi-year financial model including:
* Startup costs
* Annual operating expenses
* Revenue projections
* Staffing expenses

* Maintenance and replacement reserves
* Funding gaps and subsidy requirements
Deliverables:
* Five-year operating pro forma
* Ten-year financial outlook
* Sensitivity analysis
* Financial sustainability assessment
8. Final Recommendations
Provide recommendations regarding:
* Project feasibility
* Recommended facility size and scope
* Development phasing
* Staffing structure
* Revenue strategies
* Capital funding approaches
* Potential implementation timeline
Deliverables:
* Draft report
* Final report
* Executive summary
* Presentation to Park Board, Parks Foundation, and staff

Consultant Qualifications
Proposals should demonstrate experience with:
* Nature centers
* Environmental education facilities
* Park and recreation facilities
* Museums and interpretive centers
* Feasibility studies
* Business planning
* Staffing analyses
* Construction cost estimating
Consultants should provide examples of similar projects completed within the past ten years.
Proposal
Complete proposals can be sent electronically to Jarod Logsdon, Superintendent of Parks and
Recreation, at jlogsdon@zionsville-in.gov. Proposals should be concise and well-organized, and
no more than 25 pages. Proposals must include:
* Cover letter
* Firm overview and qualifications
* Key personnel and roles
* Relevant project experience (last 5 years preferred)
* Project approach and methodology
* Proposed schedule
* Cost proposal (to be included as a separate page or file):
Total cost (clearly separated by service type)
o
Hourly rates
o
Reimbursable expenses (with not-to-exceed cap)
o
* Certificate of Insurance

Complete proposals are due by October 2nd, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Selection of Consultant
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Relevant Experience 25%
Project Approach 25%
Team Qualifications 20%
Understanding of Nature Center Operations 15%
Cost Proposal 15%
The RFP Selection Panel reserves the right to reject all proposals and supporting materials and
request written clarification of any portion of section of proposals and support materials. The
RFP Selection Panel reserves the right to negotiate with more than one potential firm after
submission of all proposals. Proposals will be reviewed and scored by an RFP Selection Panel
made up of two Park Board members, two Parks Foundation members, and the Superintendent
of Parks and Recreation.
After a thorough review of the proposals by the RFP Selection Panel, a short list will be created
of the firms that meet the requirements outlined in this RFP. The short-listed firms may be
asked to make a presentation on their qualifications and proposals. Based on these
presentations, as well as the scored criteria listed above, the RFP Selection Panel will make a
recommendation to the Board of Park and Recreation and Board of Directors of the Zionsville
Parks Foundation for formal approval.
Project Timeline
Complete proposals due by October 2nd, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Potential Project Start Date: January 2027
Contact Information
Send questions and complete RFP to Jarod Logsdon, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation at
jlogsdon@zionsville-in.gov.
Supporting Documentation
Carpenter Nature Preserve Deed
Zionsville Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2023-2028

2022 Zionsville Park Impact Fee
2016 Strategic Trails Implementation Plan
https://www.zionsville-in.gov/719/Parks-and-Recreation-Projects-and-Plans
2022 Carpenter Nature Preserve Master Plan
https://www.zionsville-in.gov/733/Carpenter-Nature-Preserve