Request for Proposal for San Miguel County Galloping Goose Park

Request for Proposals (RFP) for San Miguel County

Galloping Goose Park

Landscaping Improvements

Request for proposal issued: April 23, 2026

Responses due: May 22, 2026

333 W. Colorado Avenue

P.O. Box 1170

Telluride, CO 81435

1. Request for Proposal

The San Miguel County Parks & Open Space department has hired a landscape architect to develop conceptual plans, which include landscaping and other improvements to the County’s Galloping Goose Park in the Town of Telluride. Improvements will include landscaping, improved and/or additional flower beds and bench(es).

The construction of Galloping Goose Park focuses on thoughtful site transformation rather than heavy intervention, emphasizing reuse, durability, and a strong sense of place. The scope integrates demolition, grading, hardscape, planting, and irrigation into a cohesive system that supports both daily use and long-term resilience.

2. Background

The County’s Galloping Goose Park is nestled between the historic San Miguel County Courthouse and the County office building on West Colorado Avenue in Telluride. Its main attraction was the historic Galloping Goose #4 train, which is owned by the Telluride Volunteer Fire District and was subsequently moved to Ridgway permanently.

The Galloping Goose Park is a compact, high-visibility civic space and this project transforms a fragmented landscape into a cohesive, welcoming public space that supports everyday use, informal gathering, and small-scale community activation.

The design emphasizes a balance between passive use and flexible programming, creating a park that accommodates lunch breaks, casual seating, small group interactions, and dog walkers. The layout introduces a clear circulation framework, guiding visitors from the street edge into the park through a sequence of pathways and gathering spaces.

The County’s Parks & Open Space Director is working with a local artist, who has been commissioned by the Governor’s office to participate in the America 250/Colorado 150 celebrations this summer. The artist is local and lives in Ophir. The goal has been to keep his art local and the Galloping Goose Park was suggested as a location, which has been approved by the Board of County Commissioners. With the assistance of the Parks & Open Space Director, the artist met with the County Open Space Commission, the County Historical Commission and the Telluride Arts District to discuss his vision for his sculpture. The artist’s concept and narrative is “Innovative Legacies of Colorado” and the working title is “Unfurling Time” with the theme being “The Evolution of Synchronicity”. The goal is for this piece of sculpture to serve as additional seating within the Galloping Goose Park.

Materiality reflects the regional character of Telluride, incorporating natural stone, decomposed granite, salvaged materials, and informal plantings to create a durable yet relaxed mountain-town aesthetic. Existing site elements are selectively preserved and repurposed where feasible, reinforcing sustainability and connection to the site’s history.

Grading and drainage improvements are integrated to ensure long-term functionality and resilience, while protecting existing trees. The planting design enhances seasonal interest, reinforces spatial definition, and supports low-maintenance, climate-appropriate vegetation.

The result is a thoughtfully crafted civic space that elevates daily experiences while remaining grounded in constructability, durability, and long-term stewardship.

3. Scope of Work and Deliverables

Construction Scope of Work

Contractors must reference the RFP BID Forms for more details

1. Mobilization & Site Preparation

• Contractor to verify all existing conditions, dimensions, and utilities prior to construction

• Coordinate utility locates and protect all existing infrastructure

• Install erosion control measures and construction protection

• Establish limits of disturbance and tree protection zones (dripline fencing and root protection)

2. Demolition & Salvage

• Remove existing site elements as identified on sheet L2.0, including:

• Concrete paving, gravel, turf, railroad ties and stone retaining walls, and select planting areas

• Sawcut and protect edges of materials to remain

• Salvage and stockpile or store materials for reuse, including:

• Flagstone paving

• Stones / boulders larger than 8”

• Selective clearing and pruning of existing vegetation

• Protect all trees and features designated to remain

3. Earthwork, Grading & Drainage

• Perform grading to establish finished site elevations and drainage patterns

• Ensure positive drainage away from structures and hardscape

• Minimize disturbance near building foundations and existing trees

• Install subsurface drainage where required, including:

• Perforated drainpipe at retaining walls connected to storm system (if available)

• Install weep holes through retaining wall to provide positive drainage

• Fine grade all landscape and hardscape areas to meet ADA requirements

4. Hardscape Construction

Construct new pedestrian circulation and gathering spaces, including:

Paving Systems

• Flagstone paving (salvaged + supplemental) (~300 SF)

• Paver walkways (~300 SF)

• Decomposed granite paving (~20 SF)

Special Features

• Stone slab steps (approx. 6” rise, 14” tread)

• Stone slab seating elements

• Soft-set paver patio areas

• Hardened edges and steel edging

Construction Requirements

• Install over compacted subgrade and base course per details

• Maintain ADA-compliant slopes and transitions where feasible

• Field verify layout with Owner and/or Landscape Architect prior to installation

5. Vertical Elements & Site Structures

• Construct a two-tiered concrete retaining wall with stone veneer 

• Install stone slab seats and boulder groupings

• Integrate natural site boulders into the landscape

• Coordinate any interface with adjacent building and property boundaries

• Coordinate elevations at the bases of existing trees and within the driplines to minimize impact on existing trees

6. Site Furnishings & Amenities

• Install owner-provided furnishings, including:

• Wood benches

• Picnic tables

• Water bottle filler

• Reinstall salvaged elements in new configuration:

• Trash receptacles

• Dog bag stations

• Field verify final locations with Owner

7. Landscape & Planting

• Prepare new planting areas with amended soil (8” depth total)

• Install:

• New planting beds (~1,100 SF)

• Lawn areas (~900 SF)

• Supplement existing planting areas as needed

• Install mulch (3” depth) across all planting beds

• Install root barriers where required

• Maintain all plant material in healthy condition through acceptance period

8. Irrigation System

• Provide design-build irrigation system tied into existing system

• Install:

• Drip irrigation for planting beds

• Spray irrigation for lawn areas

• Install sleeving under hardscape and walls

• Provide smart irrigation controls (moisture sensors, automation)

• Test system and provide owner training and maintenance manual

9. Soil, Seeding & Lawn Establishment

• Install imported planting soil (60% sand / 40% compost mix)

• Sod lawn areas

• Apply fertilizer and mulch per details

• Ensure proper watering and establishment

10. Protection, Cleanup & Restoration

• Protect adjacent improvements and minimize disturbance

• Maintain clean and orderly work site

• Restore any damaged areas at contractor’s expense

11. Maintenance & Warranty

• Provide 60-day maintenance period including:

• Watering, mowing, and weeding

• Irrigation system monitoring

• Replacement of dead or unhealthy plants

• Provide 12-month warranty on plant materials and workmanship

12. Closeout & Owner Deliverables

• Final walkthrough and punch list completion

• Provide:

• Irrigation manual and zone diagrams

• Maintenance guidelines

• Product manuals for all installed elements

• Deliver both digital and hard copy documentation

4. Proposed Schedule

See Milestone Proposed Dates Below

5. Milestone Proposed Dates

• RFP Issued Thursday, April 23, 2026

• Proposal Due Friday, May 22, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time

• Contract Award – As soon as the contractor is selected

• Project Kickoff – As soon as the contract is signed

• Project Completion – No later than Friday, July 24, 2026

All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the County.

6. Inquiries

Inquiries or questions on the contents and requirements of the RFP will be accepted in written electronic form only. Inquiries can be emailed to the attention of: Janet Kask, Director, Parks & Open Space to janetk@sanmiguelcountyco.gov using the subject line “Galloping Goose Park Landscaping Improvements”.

Substantive requests for information received may be responded to in writing by the County in the form of an addendum to this RFP and sent to all recipients of the RFP.

7. Proposal Requirements

“Proposals must include clear descriptions of the contractor’s capabilities to perform the requirements of the RFP, including the following:

A pre-bid site visit to the Galloping Goose Park is recommended to familiarize yourself with the overall site and proposed project details.

1. Transmittal Letter. This short letter should outline the Contractor’s ability to provide the scope of services requested. Please describe the company, including: name, address, number of years in business, and primary contact. This letter must be signed by an officer who is authorized to bind the Consultant and state that the proposal is binding for 90 days from the submission deadline for proposals.

2. Staff Experience. Include a brief description of each key staff member assigned to a typical project. Identify any sub-consultants proposed to serve on the project as well.

3. Sample Projects. Include up to three (3) sample projects, including tasks and deliverables provided to the owner that are similar to what the County seeks. Include a brief description of the project, owner contact information, and project cost.

4. Exceptions. Please include a statement regarding exceptions. If no exceptions are included, the County expects the Consultant will be able to sign the County’s contract and provide the required insurance and indemnification.

5. Fee Estimate. Please submit a fee estimate for the total project cost for requested Scope of Word and Deliverables, including each of the tasks outlined in the scope of work and the total number of hours expected. Also, provide a menu of pricing for scenarios and strategies.

6. Signatory Requirements. The Transmittal Letter must be signed by the contractor’s representative who is empowered with signatory authority for the company. The form may be accompanied by a Corporate Resolution.”

8. Proposal Submission

The proposals must be submitted by Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Late proposals will not be accepted. It is the Consultant’s responsibility to see that the Proposal is received at the proper time. The County is not responsible for delayed deliveries due to connectivity problems. The time the proposal is logged as received in the County’s email system shall determine the official time received. Please submit an electronic copy of the proposal to the attention of: Janet Kask at janetk@sanmiguelcountyco.gov with subject heading “RFP Response for Galloping Goose Park Landscaping Improvements.”

9. Agreement for Services

The contractor shall review and execute the Construction Agreement contract prior to beginning work. Upon award, this contract will define the project, the term and services to be performed. This is a legal-binding document between the contractor and San Miguel County. A draft Construction Agreement is attached for your review.

10. Selection Procedure and Evaluation Criteria

“The County will have a Selection Committee for the evaluation and ranking of proposals. The County may conduct interviews if determined necessary after review of the proposals. The top three (3) ranked companies based upon the proposals (and interviews if held) will be given the opportunity to execute a professional services agreement with the County. If an agreement regarding scope and fee is not reached within a reasonable period, the County may pursue negotiations with the next-ranked firm or reissue the RFP altogether. The Proposals will be evaluated and rated based on the factors listed below.”

11. Evaluation Criteria and Max Points

1. Company qualifications and capacity 20 points

2. Qualification and experience of key personnel 20 points

3. Availability of the contractor to complete the project on time or before the deadline 20 points

4. Cost, approach and scheduling of the tasks required 30 points”

12. Bidding Documents

RFP packages may be obtained by accessing the details on the San Miguel County website https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/Bids.aspx or contacting Janet Kask at the Parks & Open Space department.

13. San Miguel County Contact Information

Please contact for any questions:

Janet Kask, Director

Parks & Open Space

San Miguel County

333 West Colorado Avenue, 3rd Floor

Telluride, CO 81435

Office phone: (970)369-5469

Email - janetk@sanmiguelcountyco.gov

14. Attachments

This RFP Document

Bid Plans/Bid Documents

Bid Form Proposal

Draft Construction Agreement