Conceptual Design and Planning for Nature Play Area

Location:	Minnesota
Posted:	Mar 30, 2026
Due:	Apr 21, 2026
Agency:	City of Roseville
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	A - Research and development C - Architect and Engineering Services - Construction R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Conceptual Design and Planning for a Nature Play Area

Harriet Alexander Nature Center

City of Roseville, Minnesota

Interested vendors are encouraged to schedule a meeting with staff the week of April 6. Contact Carrie

Anderson, carrie.anderson@cityofroseville.com, 651-792-7102 to schedule a meeting.

I. Project Overview

The City of Roseville Parks and Recreation Department is requesting proposals from qualified

consultants to provide conceptual planning and design services for a nature play area at the Harriet

Alexander Nature Center (HANC). The purpose of this project is to develop a community-supported

concept plan that will guide future improvements and position the City to pursue external funding,

including potential funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor

Recreation Grant Program.

The City anticipates that the conceptual planning process will be completed within approximately six

(6) months. Completion of the study within this timeframe will allow the City to prepare for future

grant application opportunities and potential construction in 2027-2028.

The Harriet Alexander Nature Center, located within Central Park, is one of Roseville’s most unique

environmental and educational assets. The Interpretive Center is open six days per week and serves as

a hub for environmental education, recreation, and community engagement. In 2025, the Interpretive

Center welcomed more than 10,000 drop-in visitors. In addition, the Nature Center hosted:

• Over 3,100 participants in camps and educational programs

• 101 school field trips

• 58 birthday parties and private group events

The HANC property also hosts the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Roseville and includes

approximately 52 acres of marsh, woodland habitat, and trails. These natural resources provide

opportunities for environmental education, passive recreation, and year-round community connection

to nature.

A nature play amenity has been identified as a meaningful next step in the evolution of the site. Nature

play environments encourage children to engage with the outdoors through unstructured exploration,

creativity, and physical activity while fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment.

Through this Request for Proposals, the City seeks a consultant to assist with the planning and

conceptual design of a nature play area. Services will include concept development, site evaluation,

support for community engagement efforts, assessment of accessibility and infrastructure needs, and

preparation of materials suitable for future grant applications.

The anticipated total project budget for construction of the nature play area is estimated between

$500,000 and $750,000. Funding for the project may include private donations, support from local

affiliated groups, and grant opportunities. This initial conceptional design plan is being funded by the

Central Park Foundation and is estimated to cost around $10,000. It is anticipated that the selected

vendor may continue with the project through implementation if the project achieves funding and

proper approval.

II. Project Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to develop a conceptual plan for a nature play area that aligns

with the mission and long-term vision of the Harriet Alexander Nature Center.

The conceptual design should:

• Enhance the educational and environmental mission of the Harriet Alexander Nature Center

• Encourage unstructured play, exploration, and nature-based learning

• Integrate thoughtfully with existing natural features and habitats

• Reflect community interests and input gathered through engagement efforts

• Evaluate accessibility and inclusive design considerations

• Identify any supporting infrastructure needed to support the play area

• Provide planning materials that support future grant applications and funding opportunities

• Provide a budget/cost estimate for project completion.

The final conceptual plan should position the City to pursue implementation of a nature play area and

associated infrastructure improvements in future phases.

III. Scope of Services

The selected consultant will work collaboratively with City staff to complete the following tasks.

1. Project Initiation

The consultant will initiate the project by coordinating with City staff to confirm project goals, scope,

and expectations. Tasks will include:

• Conducting a project kickoff meeting with City staff

• Reviewing background materials, site information, and project goals

• Conducting a site visit to evaluate existing conditions and opportunities

2. Community Engagement

The consultant will support City staff in implementing a community engagement process designed to

gather feedback from key stakeholders and potential users of the nature play area.

Stakeholder groups may include:

• Nature Center visitors and program participants

• Local schools and youth organizations

• Volunteers and community partners

• Roseville residents and park users

The engagement approach should be inclusive, creative, and appropriate for families and children. The

consultant may assist with engagement tools, materials, and facilitation as needed.

3. Site Analysis

The consultant will evaluate potential locations within the Harriet Alexander Nature Center property

for the proposed nature play area. The analysis should consider:

• Opportunities and constraints of potential sites

• Environmental considerations and natural resource protection

• Accessibility and ADA considerations

• Circulation, connectivity, and visitor flow

• Infrastructure needs such as paths, seating, gathering areas, and related amenities

4. Concept Development

Based on site analysis and community input, the consultant will develop a conceptual plan for the

nature play area.

The conceptual design should:

• Incorporate natural materials and landscape features

• Encourage exploration, creativity, and nature-based play

• Reflect feedback gathered through the engagement process

• Align with the mission and character of the Harriet Alexander Nature Center

Conceptual graphics and illustrative materials should be prepared to clearly communicate the design

vision.

5. Cost Estimates and Grant Alignment

The consultant will provide planning information to support future project funding efforts.

This work will include:

• Preliminary cost estimates for project implementation

• Planning documentation and graphics suitable for grant applications

• Consideration of potential alignment with Minnesota DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant

requirements

6. Final Deliverables

At the completion of the project, the consultant will provide the following deliverables:

• Final conceptual design graphics and site plan

• Preliminary cost estimates for project implementation

• Planning materials suitable for grant applications and public presentations

IV. Proposal Requirements

Proposals must be received by:

April 21, 2026 – 4:00 PM CST

Proposals shall be limited to six (6) pages (8.5" × 11", minimum 11-point font). The following materials

do not count toward the page limit:

• Cover letter

• Resumes of key staff

• Cost proposal

• Project examples

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to:

Carrie Anderson

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director

City of Roseville

Email: carrie.anderson@cityofroseville.com

Subject Line: Proposal – Nature Play Conceptual Design

Late submissions will not be accepted.

All proposals submitted in response to this RFP become public record after the selection process and

remain the property of the City of Roseville.

V. Proposal Content

Proposals should include the following information.

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter should include:

• A brief overview of the firm and any sub-consultants

• Identification of the project manager and primary contact

• Identification of the principal authorized to enter into a contract

2. Project Team

Provide information about the proposed project team, including:

• Organizational chart showing the project team structure

• Roles and responsibilities of key staff members

3. Project Understanding and Approach

Describe the firm’s understanding of the project and proposed approach, including:

• Key project goals and considerations

• Proposed planning and design methodology

• Approach to collaboration and communication with City staff

4. Relevant Experience

Provide descriptions of three similar projects completed by the firm, particularly those involving:

• Nature-based play environments or park design

• Community engagement for park planning

• Planning efforts that supported successful grant applications

5. Project Schedule

Provide a proposed project schedule outlining major milestones and anticipated completion timeframe

based on the City’s desired schedule.

6. Cost Proposal

Provide a detailed project cost proposal including:

• Task breakdown

• Total project cost

7. References

Provide contact information for three professional references for similar projects.

VI. Evaluation and Selection

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Consultant qualifications and experience with similar projects

• Demonstrated understanding of the project and proposed approach

• Experience with community engagement processes

• Qualifications and experience of the project team

• References from similar projects

• Overall proposal cost

Cost will be considered but will not be the sole determining factor in consultant selection.

The City may choose to conduct interviews with selected firms or may select a consultant based solely

on submitted proposals.

The City of Roseville reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to negotiate the final scope of

work and fee with the selected consultant.

VII. Project Timeline

Milestone

Date

RFP Issued

March 30, 2026

Deadline for Questions

April 7, 2026 – 4:00 PM CST

Responses to Questions Issued April 9, 2026

Proposals Due

April 21, 2026 – 4:00 PM CST

Proposer Interviews

April 27, 2026

Anticipated Consultant Selected May 4, 2026

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

Conceptual Design and Planning for Nature Play Area

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See also