1-RA26-70 RFSQ.pdf

Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ)

Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan

Issued by: Payson City, Utah Date Issued: 1/6/2026 Submission Deadline: 1/21/2026, 5 PM MST Contact: Anders Bake, Senior Planner, 385.895.8412, andersb@paysonutah.gov Address: Payson City Development Services Department, 439 West Utah Ave, Payson, UT 84651

1. Introduction

Payson City is requesting Statements of Qualifications (an RFSQ) from professional planning and design firms to prepare a comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan. As the “Home to Adventure,” Payson is committed to enhancing its outdoor recreation assets, improving park and trail connectivity, and developing new facilities that strengthen the community’s identity and economic vitality.

This strategic plan will be limited to outdoor recreation in specific locations and not a broader parks and recreation plan. The city intends to use this plan to integrate various outdoor recreation assets, that are located throughout the city, into one connected system.

This RFSQ is issued to identify a consultant or consultant team with demonstrated experience in outdoor recreation planning, economic development, interagency coordination, and community engagement.

2. Project Overview

Funding for this project is supported in part by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance (ORPA) Grant Program. The resulting strategic plan will establish a clear roadmap for implementation—outlining priorities, timelines, and strategies for improving and expanding Payson’s recreation system.

The Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plan will:

• Evaluate existing outdoor recreation assets and identify gaps.

• Provide an actionable vision that aligns with Payson’s “Home to Adventure” brand.

• Strengthen partnerships with Utah County, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service, and other stakeholders.

• Support long-term tourism and economic development goals.

3. Project Objectives and Key Deliverables

The plan will provide a data-driven, visionary, and implementable framework to guide Payson’s outdoor recreation future. It should propose strategies to increase year-round use, add amenities, improve connectivity, and strengthen program offerings that align with the “Home to Adventure” brand. The plan will Identify ways to better utilize and enhance the following outdoor assets as explained below:

1. Payson Forebay Recreation Area– Maximize the 450-acre Forebay site as a multi-use destination with improved accessibility and amenities for all residents. The plan should evaluate opportunities to expand trail networks, add family-friendly facilities, and improve parking and access points so that the area can be used comfortably by a wider range of users year-round.

2. Spring Lake – Identify opportunities to integrate this recreation facility into the outdoor recreation system of the city. This city owned property is just outside the city’s boundaries but has the potential to be an important economic development asset to the city and the Home to Adventure branding.

3. Mt. Nebo Scenic Byway – Coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service to better connect the scenic Byway to citywide trail and recreation networks, including evaluation of a winter parking and staging area to enhance year-round access for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other cold-weather recreation opportunities.

4. Gladstan Golf Course – Assess how the golf course fits into the overall master plan and supports Payson’s broader recreation and tourism strategy. Include and evaluate the future plans for the new, lighted short-course.

5. West Mountain Regional Recreation Area –Provide a conceptual plan and map that identifies potential locations for outdoor recreation opportunities that are not offered in other areas of the city such as motocross, OHV, mountain biking trails, and a shooting range.

This may require collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management.

6. Community Parks and Trail Connectivity – Review the existing community parks, natural areas and the existing trail plan including Hollow Park and Dry Creek. evaluate the trail plan’s current effectiveness and identify any needed adjustments to improve connectivity with Utah County’s regional trail system.

7. New Regional Park Recommendations – Identify and evaluate potential sites for a new regional park within or near Payson City. The plan should recommend an optimal location, size, and design concept, including amenities such as multi-purpose athletic fields, picnic areas, splash pad or water feature, event space, trail connections, restrooms, and parking.

The park should enhance regional recreation opportunities and align with Payson’s long-term population growth and tourism strategy.

4. Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Strategic Master Plan including:

1. Project Management & Coordination o Regular meetings with Payson City staff and stakeholders.

o Coordination with Utah County, BLM, and USFS representatives and other stakeholders.

2. Data Collection & Inventory o Assess current outdoor recreation facilities, parks, and trails.

o Evaluate demographics, user trends, and visitation data.

o Identify gaps and opportunities for new development.

3. Public and Stakeholder Engagement o Conduct two public workshops, online surveys, and two stakeholder meetings.

o Integrate feedback from residents, business owners, and regional partners.

o Engage with public and private property owners that are included in the West Mountain Recreation Area to obtain the buy-in necessary for the development of a plan for the area that can be implemented.

4. Needs Assessment and Market Analysis o Identify recreational trends, demands, and economic potential.

o Evaluate feasibility for major projects such as Forebay expansion, West Mountain, Spring Lake improvements, and integration of the new golf short-course.

o Identify outdoor recreation opportunities that attract visitors, enhance quality of life, and strengthen local businesses.

5. Concept Development and Mapping o Create conceptual designs and maps for the new regional park, the Forebay recreation area, and the West Mountain Recreation Area.

o Review and refine the existing trail plan to ensure optimal connectivity among parks, downtown, Spring Lake, and regional assets.

6. Implementation Strategy o Develop phased implementation steps, funding strategies, phasing, and cost estimates.

o Recommend grants, partnerships, and public-private initiatives.

7. Final Deliverables o Outdoor Recreation Strategic Master Plan (print and digital).

o Executive Summary for public and Council use.

o GIS-based maps and data layers.

o Presentation to City Council and community stakeholders.

5. Project Schedule

The anticipated project timeline is approximately 6–9 months from notice to proceed.

• RFSQ issued: 1/6/2026

• Microsoft Teams Q&A Session: 1/14/2026 o A virtual Question & Answer meeting will be held to address questions from prospective firms. Attendance is optional but encouraged. The meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Participants can join the meeting using the following link:

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWMzNGY0N2ItM2U1Ny00ZmI5LWJlN2UtZWRjYWYwNTk1 ODZh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f1a4674-794e-4b81-https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWMzNGY0N2ItM2U1Ny00ZmI5LWJlN2UtZWRjYWYwNTk1ODZh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f1a4674-794e-4b81-bfca-de0ba68a4e00%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22465b6d77-553b-4d90-83b6-8eb16fa6ae3d%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWMzNGY0N2ItM2U1Ny00ZmI5LWJlN2UtZWRjYWYwNTk1ODZh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f1a4674-794e-4b81-bfca-de0ba68a4e00%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22465b6d77-553b-4d90-83b6-8eb16fa6ae3d%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWMzNGY0N2ItM2U1Ny00ZmI5LWJlN2UtZWRjYWYwNTk1ODZh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f1a4674-794e-4b81-bfca-de0ba68a4e00%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22465b6d77-553b-4d90-83b6-8eb16fa6ae3d%22%7d Anders Bake What areas do we want designed and what is the level of detail we are looking for these designs?

Anders Bake Are there other specific areas that should be identified here where a trail connection would be beneficial and practical?

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• Meeting ID: 293 280 847 420 45

• Passcode: SG2WD9z6

• Statement of Qualifications due: 1/21/2026 by 5:00 PM MST

• Consultant interviews (if applicable): 1/28/2026-1/29/2026

• Selection and contract award: 2/4/2026

• Project completion: No Later than November 30th, 2026

6. Submittal Requirements

Interested firms shall submit a concise Statement of Qualifications including the following:

1. Cover Letter – Introduction and statement of interest.

2. Project Understanding and Approach – Description of how your team will address project goals.

3. Project Team and Qualifications – Identify key personnel, their roles, and relevant experience.

4. Relevant Project Experience – Summaries of at least three comparable projects.

5. References – Contact information for three recent clients.

6. Proposed Schedule – Outline of project phases and major milestones.

Submissions should be no more than eight pages. SOQ's must be submitted through Bonfire/U3P no later than 1/21/2026 by 5:00 PM.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Selection will be based on demonstrated qualifications and project understanding. Criteria include:

Evaluation Factor Weight

Project Understanding and Approach 25%

Team Experience and Expertise 25% https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWMzNGY0N2ItM2U1Ny00ZmI5LWJlN2UtZWRjYWYwNTk1ODZh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f1a4674-794e-4b81-bfca-de0ba68a4e00%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22465b6d77-553b-4d90-83b6-8eb16fa6ae3d%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWMzNGY0N2ItM2U1Ny00ZmI5LWJlN2UtZWRjYWYwNTk1ODZh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f1a4674-794e-4b81-bfca-de0ba68a4e00%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22465b6d77-553b-4d90-83b6-8eb16fa6ae3d%22%7d

Relevant Project Examples 25%

Community Engagement and Collaboration Methods 15%

Proposed Schedule and Capacity 10%

8. Selection Process

The Selection Committee will review all submittals and may invite firms scoring over 80% to interview. The selected firm will enter into a professional services agreement with Payson City.

Final scope and fees will be negotiated following selection.

9. Additional Information

• Payson City reserves the right to reject any or all submissions.

• All materials submitted become property of Payson City.

• All questions must be submitted to Bonfire/U3P no later than 1/15/2025 at 5:00 PM.

Questions submitted after this time will not be answered.

10. Project Coordinator

Payson City Development Services Department Attn: Anders Bake, Senior Planner 385-895-8412 andersb@paysonutah.gov