Design and Install Playground at McCarthy Youth and Conservation Park

Dane County, Wisconsin, is seeking proposals for the design and installation of a new playground at McCarthy Youth and Conservation County Park located at 4841 County Highway TT in Cottage Grove. The project aims to create an inclusive, nature-focused playground that supports non-scripted outdoor play and enhances children's connection to nature. Vendors must submit comprehensive playground designs featuring varied play elements accommodating different mobility levels, including natural/adventure features like balance courses, log climbers, boulders, and educational components such as interactive panels and interpretive signage. The solicitation was released on April 8, 2024, with a mandatory vendor conference scheduled for April 25, 2024, and proposals due by May 21, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Evaluation criteria include organization capabilities (15 points), playground design (40 points), material requirements (5 points), proposed project timeline (15 points), cost (25 points), and local vendor preference (5 points). The playground must include ADA-accessible engineered wood fiber surfacing, at least two seating areas, and potential shade elements within an approximately 90' x 45' area.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The total project budget is $160,000, which covers materials, equipment, installation, labor, footings, base, playground surfacing, concrete edging, and sidewalks. The county reserves the right to install the playground in either 2024 or 2025, depending on the vendor's proposed timeline and project readiness. The proposed playground will be integrated into an existing park setting with established pedestrian walkways and supporting amenities, including a nearby shelter, parking area, and existing infrastructure such as a stormwater basin and cross-country ski trail. The design concept emphasizes creating an inclusive, single-contained play area that accommodates multiple user groups, ages, and abilities, with a focus on wood fiber surfacing and nature-themed play elements. The county's approach prioritizes play value, durability, and resilience, with careful consideration of site topography and existing landscape features.