CITY OF INDIO

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

TO PROVIDE

City of Indio Parks Master Plan

Date of Issuance:

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN

3:00 pm, Thursday, November 12, 2026

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL TO:

https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/32404/portal-home

Table of Contents

I. PURPOSE

II. BACKGROUND

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

IV. SCHEDULE

V. LIST OF INTERESTED PROPOSERS

VI. QUESTIONS

VII. NO CONTACT CLAUSE

IX. SUBMITTAL FORMAT

X. AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

XI. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

XII. SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

XIII. SELECTION PROCESS

XIV. ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION/MODIFICATION

XV. AUTHORITY TO WITHDRAW

XVI. AWARD OF CONTRACT

XVII. ATTACHMENTS

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I. PURPOSE

The City of Indio seeks a qualified consulting team to prepare a comprehensive Parks Master Plan (hereinafter "the Plan") that will serve as the City's guiding policy and implementation document for parks, recreation facilities, open space, trails, and recreation programming through the year 2040 and beyond. The Plan shall function as both a stand-alone policy document and as an implementing program under the Parks, Recreation & Open Space and Conservation Element of the Indio General Plan 2040.

The Plan shall provide decision-makers, City staff, community stakeholders, and development applicants with a clear, data-driven, and legally defensible framework for: a) evaluating park adequacy and equity; (b) prioritizing capital investment; (c) administering Quimby Act fees and development impact fees;

(d) expanding and improving recreation programming; and (e) advancing the

City's Climate Action Plan and Housing Element equity goals through park infrastructure.

The selected consulting team shall bring demonstrated expertise in California parks master planning, Quimby Act nexus analysis, community engagement in Environmental Justice communities, GIS-based park access analysis, and capital improvement programming. Subconsultant expertise in landscape architecture, urban ecology, ADA compliance, and climate resilience is encouraged where appropriate to the proposed team structure.

II. BACKGROUND

The City of Indio is the largest and fastest-growing city in the Coachella Valley, with a population of more than 95,000 residents. Incorporated on May 16, 1930, Indio is located in Riverside County between the San Bernardino and Santa Rosa Mountains and serves as a key gateway to the Coachella Valley, providing convenient access to regional transportation corridors, including Interstate 10 (I- 10). Known as the "City of Festivals," Indio has earned an international reputation as a premier destination for large-scale cultural, music, sports, entertainment, and culinary events. With nearly 1.5 million visitors annually, the City supports a dynamic visitor economy and welcomes visitors from across the region, state, and around the world. Indio is also a growing and forward-looking community with continued investment in public infrastructure, economic development, and quality-of-life improvements. The City provides a full range of municipal services and is committed to effective governance, innovation, and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods, enhance public safety, and support sustainable growth for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Indio's demographic profile reflects a majority-Latino community with significant proportions of low-income households, youth, and senior residents, many of whom have historically limited access to quality park facilities and recreation

P ag e | 4 programming.

The City is experiencing rapid residential growth driven by new housing development consistent with the 6th Cycle Housing Element's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation, placing increased pressure on existing park infrastructure and necessitating a proactive, equitable approach to park planning.

The City currently operates approximately 16 parks and recreation facilities distributed across its urban footprint, supplemented by joint-use facilities with

Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), and services provided by the Desert Recreation District. For more information, visit the City of Indio website at www.indio.org.

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Parks Master Plan shall achieve the following objectives:

• Establish an updated inventory and condition assessment of all City-owned and joint-use park facilities, trails, open space areas, and special use facilities, including field-verified acreage, amenity condition, ADA compliance status, and remaining useful life of major assets.

• Determine the City's current and projected park Level of Service (LOS) per the Quimby Act standard (3–5 acres per 1,000 residents) and develop updated LOS benchmarks reflective of Indio's desert context and demographic profile.

• Identify parkland gaps and deficiencies, particularly in underserved and

RHNA-designated communities, using GIS-based service area analysis, demographic overlay, and Environmental Justice assessment methodologies.

• Develop equitable park distribution standards aligned with the Housing

Element's Program 27 place-based equity strategies, ensuring that all residents — regardless of income, ethnicity, or age — have access to quality parks within a safe and walkable distance.

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• Implement the Parks, Recreation & Open Space, and Conservation Element of the Indio General Plan 2040, providing a programmatic action plan that operationalizes General Plan goals and policies through specific projects, standards, and funding mechanisms.

• Ensure General Plan policy PR-2.1 supports current and emerging State requirements, including SB 1425 and AB 1889, and is periodically updated to maintain compliance with applicable laws and the Quimby Act Level of

Service standards.

• Advance Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals through urban forestry initiatives, water efficiency standards, active transportation integration, heat island mitigation, and greenhouse gas reduction protocols for park operations.

• Establish comprehensive design standards, programming guidelines, and

ADA Title II compliance protocols for all City park facilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, California Building Code, and applicable federal and state accessibility standards.

• Prepare a legally defensible Quimby Act Nexus Study pursuant to

Government Code §66477, and recommend updated park in-lieu fee rates based on current Coachella Valley land values, construction cost indices, and adopted LOS standards.

• Identify park funding and financing options to maintain existing and future park resources, including development impact fees, General Fund, bonds, grants, and other potential funding mechanisms.

• Develop a prioritized Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with phased project lists, planning-level cost estimates, and a comprehensive funding strategy identifying local, state, and federal funding opportunities.

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• Satisfy California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) General Plan

Guidelines and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements applicable to plan adoption, including preparation of appropriate environmental documentation.

The Scope of Work is organized into six (6) sequential and concurrent Tasks.

Each Task includes defined subtasks, approach guidance, and required deliverables. The Consultant shall accomplish all tasks as described below and shall not deviate materially from the Scope without prior written authorization from the City's Project Manager. The Consultant is encouraged to propose value-added enhancements or methodological innovations within their proposal narrative; however, all minimum requirements herein are non-negotiable.

TASK 1 — PROJECT INITIATION AND DATA COLLECTION

1.1 Kickoff Meeting

The Consultant shall conduct a project kickoff meeting with City staff within ten

(10) business days of the Notice to Proceed. The kickoff meeting shall address:

confirmation of project schedule and major milestones; deliverable formats, naming conventions, and submission protocols; identification of the City's Project

Manager and key departmental contacts; data sharing procedures and IT access requirements; and resolution of any outstanding scope or contract questions. The

Consultant shall prepare and distribute a written meeting summary and confirmed project schedule within five (5) business days of the kickoff meeting.

1.2 Document and Data Collection

The Consultant shall collect and review all relevant planning, regulatory, and operational documents from the City and applicable agencies. At a minimum, document collection shall include:

● Indio General Plan 2040 and associated EIR, including the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element

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● City of Indio Climate Action Plan (CAP)

● Unified Development Code (UDC) / Zoning Ordinance

● City-adopted Specific Plans, Area Plans, and related development documents

● 6th Cycle Housing Element (2021–2029) and Program 27 equity commitments

● Existing park maintenance logs, as-built drawings, and facility records

● Current Quimby Act in-lieu fee schedule and Nexus Study (if any)

● Development Impact Fee (DIF) schedules and annual reports

● City GIS data layers, aerial imagery, and parcel data

● CVUSD/ DSUSD joint use agreement(s) and facility records

● Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) regional trail and active transportation plans

● Riverside County parks and open space plans applicable to Indio

● Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) / Desert Recreation

District service information

● Applicable state and federal regulations: Government Code §66477

(Quimby Act), Title II ADA, AB 1668/SB 606, CEQA Guidelines

The Consultant shall prepare a Data Collection Memorandum summarizing all documents reviewed, identifying data gaps, and proposing approaches to address any gaps prior to proceeding with analysis tasks.

1.3 Existing Parks Inventory

The Consultant shall conduct comprehensive field surveys of all City-operated parks, trails, recreation facilities, joint-use sites, and open space areas. Field survey activities shall document, at a minimum: verified park name and address;

P ag e | 8 parcel APN(s) and ownership; gross and net usable acreage; park classification and service tier; inventory of all amenities (playgrounds, restrooms, courts, fields, picnic areas, parking, irrigation systems, lighting, signage, shade structures, splash pads, dog parks, walking paths, etc.); visual condition assessment rating (Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor / Critical) for each amenity element; ADA compliance status by element, including transition plan deficiency items; estimated year installed or year of last renovation; and photographic documentation (minimum 3 photos per facility).

Field surveys shall be conducted during operating hours and shall include coordination with Parks & Facilities staff for access to locked or restricted areas.

The Consultant shall deliver a complete, georeferenced parks inventory database compatible with the City's GIS environment (Esri ArcGIS platform).

1.4 GIS Mapping

The Consultant shall develop a comprehensive GIS database of all park assets and spatial data layers to support analysis throughout the project. Required GIS layers shall include: park boundaries and acreage polygons; park amenity point features with condition attribute data; park service area buffers at ¼-mile, ½-mile, and 1-mile walk distance (network-based, not straight-line); trail alignments and connections; demographic overlay layers (Census/ACS:

population, age, income, ethnicity by block group); RHNA site locations from the adopted Housing Element; Environmental Justice designation areas

(CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and OEHHA HPI); and proposed project locations from

Tasks 4 and 5.

All GIS deliverables shall be produced in Esri File Geodatabase format with documented metadata conforming to FGDC standards. GIS files shall be provided to the City at each major milestone and in final form upon project completion.

1.5 Stakeholder Identification

The Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Stakeholder List identifying all

P ag e | 9 internal and external stakeholders to be engaged throughout the project. Internal stakeholders shall include, at a minimum: Parks & Recreation Division; Parks &

Facilities Division; Community Development Department; Public Works

Department; Police Department; Finance Department; Economic Development;

Community Services Commission; Marketing Team; City Manager's Office; and

City Attorney's Office. External stakeholders shall include: Coachella Valley

Unified School District (CVUSD); Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD);

Desert Recreation District; American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO);

Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD); Coachella Valley Association of

Governments (CVAG); Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District;

adjacent cities (Coachella, La Quinta, Palm Desert); community-based organizations serving Indio residents; and elected officials including City Council members and state legislative representatives.

Deliverables for Task 1 shall include the following:

Kickoff Meeting Agenda and Summary Memorandum

Confirmed Project Schedule (Microsoft Project or equivalent Gantt format)

Data Collection Memorandum (including document review summary and data gap analysis)

Existing Parks Inventory Database (GIS geodatabase + Excel/CSV export)

GIS Parks Inventory Base Map and Service Area Buffer Maps (print-ready

PDF, 24"×36")

Stakeholder List with contact information and engagement roles

TASK 2 — COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

2.1 Public Engagement Plan

Within the first four (4) weeks of the project, the Consultant shall prepare and submit for City approval a comprehensive Public Engagement Plan (PEP) documenting the engagement strategy, tools, timeline, and responsibilities. The

PEP shall reflect best practices for reaching underserved and non-English-

P ag e | 10 speaking communities and shall include, at minimum: a multilingual engagement strategy (English and Spanish at a minimum; additional languages as warranted by community demographic data); digital engagement channels including an online survey, social media campaign coordination, and integration with the City's official website; in-person engagement formats including community-wide workshops, targeted focus groups, and intercept surveys at parks and community facilities; a community engagement calendar aligned with the overall project schedule; roles and responsibilities for City staff and Consultant engagement team members; and an equity-centered engagement protocol consistent with

Housing Element Program 27 commitments.

2.2 Community Workshops

The Consultant shall plan, facilitate, document community-wide public workshops, and provide a presentation at City Council for approval. Strengthen community engagement by following Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate

Innovation (LCI) outreach guidelines support public input for future planning and grant applications. Workshops shall be held at geographically distributed locations across the City to maximize reach across all neighborhoods and income levels. Each workshop shall include a presentation component (existing conditions summary, process overview), facilitated small-group activities, and an open comment period. Workshop materials, sign-in sheets, comment cards, and a Spanish-language interpreter shall be provided by the Consultant at each event. Workshops shall be scheduled at times accessible to working families

(evenings or weekends). Expand participation through accessible virtual workshops providing greater opportunities for community involvement. The

Consultant shall document attendance, key themes raised, and verbatim comments received at each workshop.

2.3 Focus Groups

The Consultant shall facilitate a minimum of four (5) targeted focus groups with the following priority populations: (1) youth (ages 12–24); (2) adults (ages 25-

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35); (3) seniors (ages 60+); (4) persons with physical and/or developmental disabilities; and (5) non-English-speaking residents (Spanish-language session at minimum). Focus groups shall be conducted in partnership with City staff, community organizations, and schools as appropriate to recruit participants. A bilingual facilitator shall be provided for Spanish-language sessions. Focus group sessions shall be structured around specific questions developed in coordination with City staff regarding recreation needs, park access barriers, program preferences, and facility priorities.

2.4 Online Survey

The Consultant shall design, deploy, and analyze a citywide recreational needs survey accessible via web browser and mobile device. The survey shall be administered in both English and Spanish at a minimum. The Consultant shall reflect the City’s population survey responses and shall develop a plan to improve the reliably of community feedback through City website promotion, social media, QR codes posted at parks and public facilities, and paper survey distribution at community events. Survey questions shall be developed collaboratively with City staff and reviewed for accessibility, clarity, and cultural appropriateness prior to deployment. Raw survey data shall be provided to the

City in Excel/CSV format upon project completion.

2.5 Stakeholder Interviews

The Consultant shall conduct individual or small-group interviews with key internal and external stakeholders as identified in the Stakeholder List (Task 1.5).

Priority interviewees shall include: City department heads (Public Works, Community Development, Police Department, Finance Department, Economic

Development, and Marketing); City Council members (all five); CVUSD and

DSUSD school principals at schools with potential joint use sites; leadership of major community-based organizations serving Indio residents; Desert Recreation

District program staff; AYSO program staff; and CVAG active transportation planners. Interviews shall be conducted in-person or via video conference and

P ag e | 12 shall be documented with a summary of key findings.

2.6 Public Engagement Summary Report

Upon completion of all engagement activities, the Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Public Engagement Summary Report synthesizing findings from all engagement channels (workshops, focus groups, online survey, stakeholder interviews, and intercept surveys). The report shall identify key themes, community priorities, areas of consensus, and areas of divergence. The executive summary of this report shall be produced in both English and Spanish. Findings from this report shall directly inform the Needs Assessment (Task 3), Policy

Standards (Task 4), and CIP priorities (Task 5).

Deliverables for Task 2 shall include the following:

Public Engagement Plan (City-approved; English and Spanish)

Community Workshop Materials (agendas, presentations, facilitation guides, sign-in sheets, comment summaries) — Minimum 6 workshops

Focus Group Summaries — Minimum 4 sessions

Online Survey Instrument (English/Spanish) and Raw Data Export

Online Survey Results Summary Report (with statistical analysis and infographics)\

Stakeholder Interview Summaries

Public Engagement Summary Report (bilingual executive summary)

TASK 3 — NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS

3.1 Demographic Analysis

The Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive demographic profile of Indio's current and projected population using the most current available data from the

U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates), California Department of Finance

(DOF) population projections, SCAG Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable

Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), and City-adopted growth projections from the

Housing Element. Demographic analysis shall include current (2026) and

P ag e | 13 projected (2030, 2040) population estimates by: age cohort (under 18, 18–34, 35–59, 60+); household income quintile; racial and ethnic composition; primary language spoken at home; and geographic distribution (by Census block group and City planning area). The analysis shall identify census block groups and neighborhoods meeting CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and OPR Environmental Justice population criteria, and shall map these against park service areas to quantify access disparities.

3.2 Recreation Demand Analysis

The Consultant shall assess current and future recreation demand by facility type, program category, and demographic segment. Demand analysis shall draw upon community engagement findings (Task 2), national and California recreation participation trends, and a comparative benchmark analysis of peer desert cities including Palm Desert, Palm Springs, City of Coachella, and La Quinta. The benchmark analysis shall compare park acreage per capita, facility inventory, program offerings, operating budgets per resident, and Quimby Act fee rates.

Demand projections shall be developed for 2030 and 2040 growth scenarios consistent with the Housing Element's RHNA allocation.

3.3 Level of Service Analysis

The Consultant shall calculate existing and projected park Level of Service (LOS) for the City using both acreage-based and geographic access-based methodologies. Acreage LOS shall be calculated for each park type category

(mini-park, neighborhood park, community park, regional park, linear/trail park, and special use facility) as well as in aggregate. LOS calculations shall apply the

Quimby Act standard range of three (3) to five (5) acres per 1,000 residents as the baseline measure. Geographic access LOS shall utilize GIS-based network distance analysis (¼-mile, ½-mile, and 1-mile service area buffers from park boundaries using a pedestrian network). LOS analysis shall identify specific neighborhoods and planning areas with surplus park access as well as those with

P ag e | 14 quantifiable deficits, expressed both in acres and percentage of population underserved. LOS projections shall be developed for 2030 and 2040 based on adopted population growth assumptions.

3.4 Park Access and Equity Analysis

The Consultant shall conduct a GIS-based park access and equity analysis that maps park service area coverage against demographic layers including household income, racial and ethnic composition, age (children and seniors), and

CalEnviroScreen/HPI disadvantaged community designations. The analysis shall quantify the percentage of each population subgroup that lacks access to a park within ½-mile walk distance (network-based). Results shall be mapped at the

Census block group level and shall identify specific geographic areas of

Environmental Justice concern. Findings shall be explicitly aligned with the

Housing Element's Program 27 equity commitments and shall be used to prioritize project recommendations in Tasks 4 and 5. The equity analysis methodology shall comply with state and federal Environmental Justice guidance applicable to California planning documents.

3.5 Facility Condition Assessment

Building upon field survey data collected in Task 1.3, the Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) for all City park assets. The

FCA shall assess the condition of all major park elements including: hardscape

(pathways, plazas, parking lots); turf and landscaping (condition, species mix, water consumption); restroom buildings (structural, mechanical, ADA compliance); playground equipment (safety compliance, fall zone adequacy, age appropriateness); sports courts and athletic fields (surface condition, striping, goals/backstops); irrigation systems (controller type, efficiency, coverage); site lighting; signage and wayfinding; shade structures and ramadas; splash pads and aquatic features; and perimeter fencing. Each element shall receive a condition rating on a standardized scale (1–5 or

Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor/Critical) with associated maintenance or capital action

P ag e | 15 recommendation. The Consultant shall assign an estimated Remaining Useful Life

(RUL) in years to each major asset category and shall estimate the cost of deferred maintenance backlog. ADA Transition Plan deficiency items shall be identified, prioritized, and compiled in a separate ADA Deficiency Log compatible with the City’s ADA Transition Plan update process. The Consultant shall also evaluate opportunities to update the ADA Transition Plan to reflect current and emerging accessibility needs within Indio’s disability community, with particular consideration given to City parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, and open space.

3.6 Programming Assessment

The Consultant shall evaluate the City's current recreation programming offerings

(including programs delivered by the City directly, by the Desert Recreation

District, by CVUSD, DSUSD, and by community-based organizations) against community-expressed demand identified in Task 2. The programming assessment shall identify: program gaps by demographic segment (youth, seniors, adults, adaptive/therapeutic); geographic inequities in program access by neighborhood; partnership and joint programming opportunities with Desert

Recreation District, CVUSD, DSUSD, AYSO, and non-profit organizations; and opportunities to leverage existing park facilities for enhanced programming delivery. Any expansion to the park needs and level-of-service analysis to account for approved, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable residential development projects, including Specific Plan buildout areas, planned subdivisions, Development Agreements, RHNA sites, and population projections.

Recommendations shall be incorporated into the Plan's programming chapter in

Task 6.

Deliverables for Task 3 shall include the following:

Demographics and Demand Analysis Report (including 2030/2040 projections and peer city benchmark analysis)

Level of Service Analysis Technical Memorandum (acreage and geographic

LOS by park type; surplus/deficit maps)

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Park Access and Equity Analysis Map Series (GIS-based; print-ready PDF, 24"×36")

Facility Condition Assessment Report (with photo documentation, RUL estimates, ADA Deficiency Log, and deferred maintenance cost summary)

Programming Assessment Memorandum

TASK 4 — POLICY ANALYSIS AND STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT

4.1 Policy Conformance Review

The Consultant shall verify and document the Parks Master Plan's conformance with all applicable planning, regulatory, and policy frameworks. The Conformance

Review shall produce a matrix cross-referencing Plan goals, policies, and actions against the following documents and requirements: Indio General Plan 2040 (all applicable elements); City Climate Action Plan; Unified Development Code;

adopted Specific Plans; 6th Cycle Housing Element (Program 27 and other applicable programs); California CEQA Guidelines; Quimby Act (Government

Code §66477); OPR General Plan Guidelines (2017 and subsequent updates);

ADA Title II and California Building Code accessibility requirements; and AB

1668/SB 606 water efficiency requirements for landscape irrigation. The conformance matrix shall be maintained as a living document throughout the project and incorporated as an appendix to the Final Plan.

4.2 Park Classification System

The Consultant shall establish or refine a City of

Indio park classification system appropriate to the desert context, community needs, Park Type Typical Size Service

Radius

Primary Amenities Target Population

Mini-Park /

Pocket Park

< 1 acre ¼ mile Seating, shade, tot lot Immediate neighborhood

Neighborhood

Park

1–10 acres ½ mile Playground, multi-use courts, restrooms, picnic, shade, turf/decomposed granite

Surrounding neighborhood

Community

Park

10–50 acres 1–2 miles

Athletic fields, community center, full amenity suite, parking

City-wide / multi-neighborhood

Regional Park 50+ acres City-wide

Multi-sport, special events, amphitheater, large group picnic

City-wide and regional

Linear Park /

Trail Corridor

Variable

(width)

¼–1 mile Multi-use path, shade trees, wayfinding, lighting

Active transportation users; all ages

Special Use

Facility

Variable City-wide

Dog park, splash pad, skate park, community garden, senior center

Specific user groups

P ag e | 17 and Growth projections. The classification system shall define the following park types at a minimum, with specific standards for each:

Standards for each classification shall address minimum required amenities, maximum service radii, LOS acreage contributions, maintenance classification, and design standard applicability. Standards shall be calibrated to desert conditions including shade requirements, water efficiency, and heat mitigation.

4.3 Design Standards

The Consultant shall develop comprehensive Park Design Standards for adoption as a chapter of the Plan. Design standards shall address: ADA Title II and

California Building Code compliance requirements for all park elements; Crime

Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles including sightlines, lighting levels, and elimination of concealment opportunities; universal design principles ensuring accessibility for persons of all ages and abilities;

desert-adapted landscaping standards incorporating water-wise plant palettes, shade structure requirements, decomposed granite and permeable surface alternatives to turf, native and drought-tolerant species lists; and climate resilience features including cool pavement, shade tree canopy coverage minimums, and stormwater management. Design standards shall be illustrated with diagrams or photographs as appropriate and shall be formatted for practical use by City staff and project designers.

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4.4 Active Transportation Integration

The Consultant shall conduct a gap analysis of existing and planned trail and active transportation connections between parks and key community destinations

(schools, transit stops, senior centers, community centers, commercial districts).

The analysis shall identify missing trail links, barriers to pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and priority connections for investment. Including, the inventory and evaluate existing, approved, and planned parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities, including entitled but unconstructed facilities, and assess pedestrian, bicycle, and trail connections to existing and planned neighborhoods and development areas. Findings shall be coordinated with the Indio General Plan

Mobility Element, the CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, and regional trail network planning. A Trail Connectivity Map shall be produced identifying existing trails, proposed connections, and recommended design standards for multi-use pathways consistent with Caltrans Highway Design Manual Chapter 1000 (Class

I/II/III facilities).

4.5 Climate Resilience Standards

Given Indio's desert climate and increasing heat stress, the Consultant shall develop specific Climate Resilience Standards for park planning and design.

Standards shall address: urban heat island mitigation measures including shade structure coverage requirements (minimum percentage of active use areas shaded by 2030), shade tree canopy targets (canopy coverage goals per park type), and requirements for cool surface paving materials in high-traffic areas;

water efficiency targets for landscape irrigation consistent with AB 1668/SB 606 requirements and City of Indio Water use objectives; GHG emission reduction protocols for park operations (electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar energy for park facilities, low-emission maintenance equipment); and resilience design requirements for extreme heat events including cooling station designation and shade/water access standards. Standards shall be quantified and

P ag e | 19 measurable where possible to facilitate performance tracking against CAP targets.

4.6 Joint Use Agreements

The Consultant shall create an inventory and evaluate all existing joint use agreements between the City and other public agencies and school districts, including Desert Recreation District, CVUSD, DSUSD, AYSO, CVWD, and Riverside

County. The evaluation shall assess scope of joint use (facilities covered, hours of access, maintenance responsibilities); current utilization rates; financial arrangements; and opportunities to expand joint use access for community recreation. The Consultant shall identify a minimum of five (5) priority sites for new or expanded joint use arrangements and shall develop a Model Joint Use

Agreement template suitable for use by the City with CVUSD and DSUSD, consistent with California Education Code §10900–10914.5 and Government

Code §6500 (JPA authority). The template shall address liability, maintenance, access hours, fee sharing, and capital improvement responsibilities.

4.7 Quimby Act Nexus Study

The Consultant shall prepare a legally defensible Quimby Act Nexus Study pursuant to Government Code §66477. The Nexus Study shall: establish the relationship between new residential development and the demand for parkland using adopted population projections and persons-per-household ratios by unit type; document the City's adopted LOS standard and the nexus between development-generated park demand and the in-lieu fee; calculate the per-unit in-lieu fee based on current raw land values (supported by a qualified appraiser or current market data), applicable park acreage standards, and infrastructure cost factors; recommend an updated fee schedule by residential unit type (single-family detached, multi-family attached, accessory dwelling unit); identify preferred planning and zoning tools for new development, including parkland dedication and recommend additional tools to support future parkland acquisition, development, and improvements; and address any required findings

P ag e | 20 under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code §66000 et seq.). The Nexus

Study shall be reviewed by the City Attorney prior to finalization and shall be formatted to support City Council adoption as an appendix to the Plan or as a stand-alone document.

Deliverables for Task 4 shall include the following:

Policy Conformance Matrix (cross-referenced against all applicable plans and regulations)

Park Classification System and Standards Document

Park Design Standards Manual (illustrated; ADA, CPTED, desert-adapted, climate resilience)

Trail Connectivity Map and Active Transportation Gap Analysis (GIS-based;

print-ready PDF)

Climate Resilience Standards Chapter (quantified metrics and design requirements)

Joint Use Agreement Inventory, Evaluation, and Opportunity Assessment

Model Joint Use Agreement Template

Quimby Act Nexus Study (legally defensible; reviewed by City Attorney)

TASK 5 — CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND IMPLEMENTATION

PLAN

5.1 Project Identification

Drawing upon the findings of Tasks 1 through 4 and community engagement outcomes from Task 2, the Consultant shall identify all recommended park improvements, new park acquisitions, trail connections, facility upgrades, and programming enhancements for inclusion in the CIP. Provide implementation guidance for applying the Parks Master Plan and park standards to future residential development and subdivision applications, including parkland dedication and in-lieu fee requirements, and identify potential amendments to the Unified Development Code, Specific Plans, development standards, or related planning documents. Project identification shall be guided by the following prioritization criteria: equity (projects benefiting Environmental Justice

P ag e | 21 communities and RHNA-designated areas receive highest weight); condition and safety (projects addressing Critical or Poor condition ratings and ADA deficiencies receive elevated priority); feasibility (site control, land availability, permitting complexity); and community-expressed demand (integration of Task 2 engagement findings). All identified projects shall be assigned to a specific park or location, assigned a project type classification, and linked to the LOS deficiency or community need it addresses.

5.2 Cost Estimation

The Consultant shall develop planning-level cost estimates (±30% accuracy) for all recommended projects. Cost estimates shall utilize current California construction cost indices (ENR Construction Cost Index — Los Angeles Region;

California Department of General Services cost data), desert-region cost adjustment factors reflecting Coachella Valley labor and material costs, and per-unit cost benchmarks for standard park elements. Estimates shall include construction costs, soft costs (design, environmental review, permitting — estimated at 25–35% of construction), escalation factors to mid-point of construction, and contingency (15–20%). Cost estimates shall be presented in a standardized format suitable for CIP budget planning and grant applications.

5.3 CIP Phasing

The Consultant shall organize all recommended projects into three phasing tiers based on priority, funding availability, implementation readiness, and strategic sequencing:

● Near-Term (Years 1–3): High-priority projects addressing safety deficiencies, ADA compliance, and equity gaps in the most underserved communities; projects with identified funding and high implementation feasibility.

P ag e | 22

● Mid-Term (Years 4–7): Projects requiring land acquisition, joint use expansion, or multi-year grant pursuit; medium-priority upgrades and new facility development in growth areas.

● Long-Term (Years 8–15): Aspirational and visionary projects contingent on significant funding; major new park development, regional trail corridors, and program facility expansion aligned with full buildout projections.

The CIP shall also identify projects recommended for ongoing annual maintenance investment and differentiate these from one-time capital expenditures.

5.4 Funding Strategy

The Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Funding Strategy identifying and analyzing all applicable funding sources for recommended CIP projects. The

Funding Strategy shall include source description, eligible project types, application cycle and competitiveness, current funding availability, and match requirements. Funding sources to be analyzed shall include, at a minimum:

P ag e | 23

5.5 Implementation Action Plan

The Consultant shall develop a phased Implementation Action Plan that translates the Plan's policies and CIP projects into specific, actionable tasks with assigned responsibilities, timelines, and performance metrics. The Action Plan shall be formatted as a matrix with the following fields for each action: action description;

responsible lead department; partner departments and agencies; timeline

(near/mid/long-term); estimated cost; primary funding source(s); performance metric; and status tracking field. The Action Plan shall cover park capital projects, policy and standards implementation actions, programming initiatives, Funding Source Type Eligible Uses Notes

City General Fund Local /

Ongoing

Operations, maintenance, small capital

Annual budget process

Quimby Act In-Lieu

Fees

Local /

Development

New park acquisition and development

Linked to Nexus Study

(Task 4.7)

Development Impact

Fees (DIF)

Local /

Development

Park improvements serving new development

Requires updated DIF study

Land and Water

Conservation Fund

(LWCF)

Federal /

Competitive

Acquisition, development of outdoor recreation facilities

Administered by California

DPR; 50% match

California Proposition

68 (Parks Bond)

State /

Competitive

Park development, trail corridors, urban greening

Multiple program categories; DPR administered

Greenhouse Gas

Reduction Fund

(GGRF)

State /

Competitive

Urban greening, forestry, active transportation, EJ communities

SB 535 / AB 1550 EJ

community eligibility advantage

Community

Development Block

Grant (CDBG)

Federal /

Entitlement

Park improvements in low-income areas

City entitlement recipient;

HUD administered

Active Transportation

Program (ATP)

State /

Competitive

Trail, bicycle, pedestrian infrastructure

Caltrans / CTC; biennial cycle

Infill Infrastructure

Grant (IIG)

State /

Competitive

Infrastructure in infill areas near housing

HCD administered; RHNA site proximity advantage

Public-Private

Partnerships (P3)

Private / Ad

Hoc

Naming rights, facility programming, amenity sponsorship

Requires P3 policy framework development

P ag e | 24 partnership development, funding pursuit activities, and plan monitoring and update protocols.

5.6 Key Performance Indicators

The Consultant shall develop a set of measurable Key Performance Indicators

(KPIs) to enable the City to track progress toward Plan goals over time. The KPI framework shall include metrics in the following categories:

● Access: Percentage of residents within ½-mile network distance of a City park (citywide and by income quintile)

● Acreage LOS: Park acres per 1,000 residents (by park type; citywide and by planning area)

● Facility Condition: Percentage of park assets rated Good or Excellent;

ADA deficiency backlog reduction

● Programming: Annual program participation rates per capita; program offerings by demographic segment

● Climate and Sustainability: Percent of park area with shade coverage;

irrigation water use per acre; GHG emissions from park operations

● Equity: Percentage of CIP investment directed to Environmental Justice communities; percent of RHNA sites within ½-mile of a park

● Financial: Quimby fee revenue collected and deployed; grant funding secured per plan cycle

The KPI Dashboard Framework shall be designed for annual reporting and shall specify the data source, baseline value, target value (2030 and 2040), and reporting frequency for each indicator.

Deliverables for Task 5 shall include the following:

Project Identification and Prioritization Matrix (all recommended projects

P ag e | 25 with scoring and rationale)

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with Planning-Level Cost Estimates and

Phasing Plan (Near/Mid/Long-Term)

Funding Strategy Memorandum (with source summaries, eligibility analysis, and pursuit recommendations)

Implementation Action Plan (matrix format; lead department, timeline, funding, and metrics for all actions)

KPI Dashboard Framework (baseline values, targets, data sources, and reporting protocol)

TASK 6 — DRAFT AND FINAL PLAN DOCUMENT

6.1 Administrative Draft Plan

The Consultant shall prepare a complete Administrative Draft Parks Master Plan integrating all deliverables from Tasks 1 through 5 into a cohesive, professionally designed, and publication-ready document. The Administrative Draft shall include: an executive summary suitable for general public readership; all substantive chapters; a complete set of maps (GIS-produced, print-ready at

11"×17" and 24"×36" formats); data tables, charts, and graphics; and all appendices (engagement summary, condition assessment, Nexus Study, conformance matrix, and GIS data documentation). The document shall be formatted for print and digital publication and shall comply with City branding guidelines to be provided at project kickoff.

6.2 City Staff Review

The Consultant shall facilitate two (2) rounds of City staff review of the

Administrative Draft. Following each review, the Consultant shall prepare a written Response to Comments Matrix identifying each comment received, the

Consultant's proposed response (accepted, accepted with modification, or rejected with rationale), and the specific document revision made in response.

The Response to Comments Matrix shall be provided to the City Project Manager within fifteen (15) business days of receiving staff comments from each review round.

P ag e | 26

6.3 Planning Commission and Community Services Commission

Presentation

The Consultant shall prepare and deliver a formal presentation of the Draft Parks

Master Plan to the City of Indio Planning Commission and Community Services

Commission for its review and recommendation to the City Council. The

Consultant shall prepare all presentation materials including a PowerPoint presentation, summary exhibits, and a written staff report conforming to the

City's standard staff report format. The Consultant shall attend the Planning

Commission hearing and shall be prepared to respond to commissioner questions and comments. Following the hearing, the Consultant shall document all Planning

Commission direction and prepare a memo summarizing required revisions to the

Plan.

6.4 Public Review Draft

Following Planning Commission review and incorporation of directed revisions, the Consultant shall prepare a Public Review Draft of the Parks Master Plan for a minimum thirty (30) calendar day public comment period. The Consultant shall assist City staff in preparing the public notice for the review period, posting the document on the City website, and distributing it to identified stakeholders. The

Consultant shall compile all public comments received during the review period and shall prepare a written Response to Public Comments document addressing all substantive comments received.

6.5 City Council Presentation and Adoption

The Consultant shall prepare and deliver a formal presentation of the Final Parks

Master Plan to the City Council for adoption. The Consultant shall prepare all required materials including a PowerPoint presentation, summary exhibits, and a

City Council staff report conforming to the City's standard staff report format.

The Consultant shall attend the City Council hearing and shall be prepared to respond to Council member questions and public testimony. The Consultant shall

P ag e | 27 assist the City in making any final revisions directed by the City Council prior to adoption.

6.6 CEQA Documentation

The Consultant shall prepare appropriate CEQA documentation for adoption of the Parks Master Plan in coordination with the City Attorney and Community

Development Director. The Consultant shall initially evaluate the appropriate

CEQA pathway (Categorical Exemption per CEQA Guidelines §15307/15308, Program-Level Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Program

EIR) and shall present a recommended approach to the City for approval. CEQA documentation shall be prepared in compliance with California Public Resources

Code §21000 et seq. and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR §15000 et seq.).

The Consultant shall assist the City with filing all required CEQA notices with the

State Clearinghouse and Riverside County Clerk.

6.7 Final Plan Production

Following City Council adoption, the Consultant shall incorporate all adopted revisions and produce the Final Parks Master Plan in the following formats: print-ready PDF (300 dpi, CMYK, press-ready) suitable for commercial printing;

accessible digital PDF (Section 508-compliant, with bookmarks and alt text) for web posting; editable Adobe InDesign and/or Microsoft Word source files; and all associated GIS file geodatabases, shapefiles, and map documents (Esri ArcGIS format). All final deliverable files shall be organized in a structured folder system and delivered on durable digital media (USB drive) as well as via the City's preferred file transfer system.

Deliverables for Task 6 shall include the following:

Administrative Draft Parks Master Plan — Round 1 (complete document with all chapters, maps, tables, and appendices)

Response to Comments Matrix — Round 1 (City staff review)

Administrative Draft Parks Master Plan — Round 2 (revised)

Response to Comments Matrix — Round 2 (City staff review)

P ag e | 28

Planning Commission Presentation Materials and Staff Report

Planning Commission Response Memorandum

Community Services Commission

Public Review Draft Parks Master Plan (30-day public review version)

Response to Public Comments Document

City Council Staff Report and Presentation Materials

CEQA Documentation (Categorical Exemption, ND/MND, or EIR as determined)

Final Parks Master Plan — Print-Ready PDF, Accessible Digital PDF, Editable

Source Files

Complete GIS File Package (Esri File Geodatabase, shapefiles, map documents)

All Appendices in Final Adopted Form

IV. SCHEDULE

Qualifications will be reviewed in a timely manner by a selection committee composed of City of Indio personnel. The review of submittals will be based on, but not limited to, the following minimum criteria:

i. Each statement of qualification will be reviewed for completeness, responsiveness and adequacy of documentation

ii. The firms understanding of the scope of services and approach to providing service.

iii. The qualifications and relevant experience of the firm.

City of Indio personnel will be the sole and exclusive judge of quality and compliance with specifications in any of the matters pertaining to this RFP.

The City of Indio reserves the right to award the contract(s) in any manner it deems to be in the best interest of the City of Indio and make the selection based on its sole discretion, including negotiating with one or more of the firms for the same services.

DEADLINES:

Release of RFP October 14, 2026

Submittal of Questions Deadline October 29, 2026, by 3:00PM

City of Indio Response to Questions by

November 5, 2026, by 3:00PM

Proposal Due Date November 12, 2026, by 3:00PM

Proposal Review/Evaluation Week of December 3, 2026

Interview Finalists (if needed) Week of December 14, 2026

P ag e | 29

Negotiation of Contract (if needed) Week of January 4, 2027

Award of contract January 14, 2027

V. LIST OF INTERESTED PROPOSERS

The full content of the RFP, and any addendums, will be available through the City of Indio PlanetBids portal. All firms interested in proposing on this contract are encouraged to sign-up as a prospective bidder for the RFP.

This list will be used to email any project updates, addendums, changes or responses to written inquires and will be distributed to all interested companies.

VI. QUESTIONS

All questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted in writing through the

PlanetBids portal https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/32404/portal-home using the Q&A tab. The date and time when questions must be submitted are shown in “Section IV – Schedule” of this RFP. Questions with their answers will be posted in the PlanetBids portal so that everyone gets them at the same time. Please check posted responses to questions prior to asking your questions, as it may have already been asked by another bidder and answered by City of Indio.

VII. NO CONTACT CLAUSE

Between the date that City of Indio releases the RFP and the time the City

Council/ Board awards the contract, all communication between City of

Indio and proposers regarding this RFP, should be put in the PlanetBids portal.