Parks & Trails Visitor Impact Study - Economic Impact study for 5 parks and a regional trail

Sherburne County Parks and Recreation Department (SCPR) is requesting proposals for a visitor economic impact study covering five county parks totaling 780.75 acres and a 4.25-mile regional trail segment northwest of the Twin Cities, with proposals due June 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The scope requires determination of current visitor use numbers, peak and off-peak visitation patterns, visitor segmentation, and annual visitor estimates; economic impact analysis using IMPLAN or RIMS-II modeling systems; sensitivity analysis for projected demographic growth and expanded programming; and strategic recommendations for staffing and capital improvements. Deliverables include documented data-collection methodologies, visual representations of visitor distribution, draft and final reports, executive summaries, presentations to SCPR leadership and the County Board, and public-facing materials. The study builds on the Comprehensive Parks & Trails Plan adopted by the county in 2022.

Evaluation emphasizes demonstrated experience conducting visitor use studies for parks and trails in Greater Minnesota, understanding of project goals, qualifications of key staff, ability to meet the February 28, 2027 completion deadline, references, and cost. Proposals are limited to 12 pages and must include a letter of interest, project organizational chart, resumes of key personnel, itemized budget with 2026 hourly rates, statement of project understanding with proposed approach, three recent similar project descriptions with references, and a detailed schedule with key milestones. Questions were due May 27, 2026; clarifications were distributed June 3, 2026. Contract award is anticipated shortly after the June 15 proposal deadline. Proposals should be submitted electronically to Gina Hugo, Parks Director, at gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us. SCPR reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, conduct virtual interviews, or select based solely on written proposals. All submitted proposals become public information and property of SCPR upon selection.