Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update Service

Proposals are due by 1:00 p.m. EST on March 26th, 2026.

Sealed bids will be opened at 1:00 p.m. EST on March 26th, 2026.

Selection of the winning bidder will be made in April 2026.

The government authority in Van Buren, Michigan is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive parks and recreation master plan update services. The selected firm will oversee the update of the 2027 master plan, which will establish a strategic framework for both immediate and long-term decisions relating to parks and recreation operations. The project will require integration of community engagement, application of current planning best practices, and alignment with established industry standards.

Scope includes developing clear strategies and actionable recommendations for park development, recreation programs, operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Deliverables will involve defined timelines, cost estimates, and prioritized implementation plans. The selected vendor will evaluate progress made on the existing plan by reviewing completed and ongoing initiatives, deferred tasks, and funding outcomes as well as identifying successes, challenges, and lessons learned to guide future planning.

The process will involve collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, such as demographics, facility usage statistics, asset inventories, stakeholder input, and results from community surveys. Providers are expected to conduct an inclusive needs assessment reflecting community priorities, facilitate public participation, and compare local facilities and programs against state, regional, and national benchmarks to assess service levels and efficiency.