Park Co Preservation Plan

Park County, Colorado is seeking a comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Update through a competitive procurement process for the 2026-2031 planning cycle. The project, identified as #2026-PL-004, requires a contractor to develop a five-year historic preservation strategic plan for the county. Key deliverables include designing public engagement strategies, conducting field reconnaissance of historic buildings and resources, organizing public open houses, developing an online survey, and creating a draft plan that encompasses historical context, vision, public education goals, policies, and an action plan. The scope of work involves extensive research and documentation of Park County's historical assets, including landscapes, infrastructure, irrigation systems, transportation features, ranching and mining resources, and cemeteries. Contractors must collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including the Park County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC), elected officials, county staff, Planning Commission, and South Park National Heritage Area. The solicitation was posted on October 30, 2025, with proposals due by November 12, 2025. The final draft plan will be presented to HPAC, Planning Commission, and County Commissioners, and then submitted to the State Historic Fund for review.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. Funding for the project will be sourced from multiple channels, including the State Historical Fund, Certified Local Government grants, and the South Park National Heritage Area. While a specific budget range is not detailed, previous preservation grant funding indicates potential resources, with historical records showing the county has secured over $809,722 in state preservation grants between 2010-2015. The project builds upon previous preservation plans from 2000, 2010-2015, and 2015-2020, suggesting continuity in the county's preservation efforts. Potential contractors should have expertise in historical research, preservation planning, public engagement, and the ability to conduct comprehensive field surveys of historical resources. The plan aims to increase public appreciation of the area's diverse past, encourage heritage tourism, and proactively preserve historical sites through various mechanisms, potentially including property tax abatement programs and preservation revolving funds.