City of Elk River - Advertisement for Proposals - Parks and Recreation Framework Plan

Location:	Minnesota
Posted:	May 12, 2026
Due:	May 19, 2026
Agency:	City of Elk River
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	X - Lease or Rental of Facilities
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Bid Title:	City of Elk River - Advertisement for Proposals - Parks and Recreation Framework Plan
Category:	Request for Bids and Proposals
Status:	Open

Description:

Request for Proposal Amendment: Parks and Recreation Framework Plan

The City of Elk River has extended the proposal deadline for consultant services regarding the Parks and Recreation Framework Plan. View the full Proposal Amendment.

Proposals will now be accepted via mail until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

For questions, please contact Parks and Recreation Manager Jeff Shelby at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address.

Click here to learn more.

Publication Date/Time:

4/21/2026 12:00 AM

Closing Date/Time:

5/19/2026 4:00 PM

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Request for Proposals

Consultant Services for the City of Elk River

Parks and Recreation Framework Plan

City of Elk River

13065 Orono Parkway

Elk River, MN 55330

Proposals Due: May 12, 2026

Statement of Purpose

The City of Elk River, Minnesota is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced consulting

firms to prepare a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Framework Plan. The previous plan that

was developed in 2015 has largely reached its endpoint and the city is now looking toward the

next decade. This plan will guide long-term development and management of Elk River’s parks,

trails, facilities, and recreation services.

General Information on the City of Elk River

Elk River is located approximately 34 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul and serves as a

regional hub for commerce and recreation. The city spans approximately 44 square miles and

has a population of approximately 28,000 residents. Elk River is known for its natural resources,

including the Mississippi and Elk Rivers, and an expanding system of parks and trails. The city has

quickly grown as a desirable community for families seeking suburban amenities that are rooted

in Elk River’s rural history.

Project Overview

The Framework Plan will establish a 10-year vision for the parks and recreation system, evaluate

existing conditions, identify service gaps, and provide a clear and actionable implementation

strategy aligned with community priorities and growth.

The Parks and Recreation Commission has established a tentative Table of Contents for the

Framework Plan. There are areas within that Table of Contents that city staff will produce. The

goal is to integrate that work with the work produced by the consultant.

Please note that the Parks and Recreation Commission changed the title of the project to a

framework plan to better reflect current sensitivities to previous language. The intention is that

the final work product will reflect what is commonly referred to as a Parks and Recreation Master

Plan.

Scope of Services

The scope of services is built on the tentative Table of Contents recommended by the Parks and

Recreation Commission. The consultant will engage with city staff, elected officials, and advisory

boards to assist in the creation of the contents of the plan. City staff will be responsible for the

compilation of the final document. The following items are requested of the consultant for the

project:

A) Inventory and Assessment - Identification of gaps in service and accessibility to include,

but not limited to:

▪ Level of Service Analysis (includes Needs and Trends Assessment)

▪ Public/Community Engagement to Identify Community Goals

• As part of the outreach process, the consultant will be required to provide inclusive

engagement strategies as well as attend the following events (for no less than three

(3) hours for any event that extends beyond three (3) hours) to ensure essential input

is gathered from stakeholders:

1) Farmers Market – July 16, 2026 – 3 p.m. to 7p.m.

2) Elk Riverfest – July 25, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3) Riverfront Concert Series – August 6, 2026 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4) Orono Evening in the Park – August 18, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

5) Downtown Trick or Treat – October 23, 2026 – 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

6) Public Open Houses – Dates To Be Determined

7) Woodland Trails Regional Park Open House – Date To Be Determined

• Additional optional engagement opportunities:

1) Entertainment in the Park – June 18, 2026

2) Elk River Youth Association House Baseball Tournament – June 27, 2026

3) Night to Unite – August 4, 2026

4) Elk River Youth Softball Game Day – Date To Be Determined

5) Senior Membership Drive – December 2026 – Date To Be Determined

B) System Plan - As part of the system plan, the consultant should provide

recommendations for system improvements and identification of future needs in the

following areas:

▪ Arts and Culture Programming

▪ Natural Resources

▪ Risk Management

▪ Park Usage

▪ Marketing

C) Implementation and Sustainability - The consultant should prioritize identified projects

with a phased implementation strategy including cost estimates and funding

opportunities in the following areas:

▪ Maintenance and Operations Strategy

▪ Capital Improvement Plan, Operations, and Maintenance Costs

▪ Identification of Future Needs

▪ Funding Options and Sources

▪ Implementation Recommendations

▪ Timeline

Deliverables

Coordinate with city staff and advisory boards to produce framework plan documents, digital

files compatible with city systems, and engagement tools. City staff will be responsible for the

compilation of the final document.

Proposal Requirements

Complete proposals should contain the following:

1. Cover Letter

2. Stated understanding of the project scope and your approach to integrating input.

Describe in detail your approach to the process and working with the city for a product to

present to the City Council for approval.

3. Reference list

4. Three (3) examples of similar park framework/master plan projects led by the consultant

and completed within previous six (6) years.

5. One (1) flash drive containing all contents of the proposal.

6. Project Schedule

7. Fee Proposal (Attachment A)

8. Consultant Background and Qualifications (Attachment B)

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

▪ Project Understanding & Approach – 20 points

▪ Experience & Qualifications – 20 points

▪ Community Engagement Approach – 15 points

▪ Project Team – 15 points

▪ Work Plan & Schedule – 10 points

▪ Past Work & References – 10 points

▪ Cost / Value – 10 points

Project Schedule

RFP Issued: April 21, 2026

Original Proposal Due Date: May 12, 2026

RFP Amendment Issued: May 12, 2026

Amended Proposal Due Date: May 19, 2026

Consultant Selection: June 1, 2026

Project Duration: 12 months

General Terms and Conditions

The city reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request additional information, and

waive irregularities. All materials submitted become public records in accordance with Minnesota

law. The city is not responsible for costs incurred in proposal preparation.

Submission Requirements

Carefully read the information contained in this RFP and submit by mail, certified mail, or courier

three (3) copies of your full proposal following all requirements, specifications, and directions

to:

City of Elk River

Attn: Jeff Shelby

13065 Orono Parkway

Elk River, MN 55330

Submittals must be received at the offices of the City of Elk River no later than 4 p.m. on May 19,

2026.

Do not submit proposals to any other person or location by any other method.

Late submission: Late submissions will not be considered.

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

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City of Elk River - Advertisement for Proposals - Parks and Recreation Framework Plan

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