Playground Renovations 2026

The City of Columbus, Ohio Department of Recreation & Parks is requesting bids for playground renovations across five city-owned properties under IFB 2026, with bids due July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time through www.bidexpress.com. Questions must be submitted by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EDT to Gabriella Monsignori at glmonsignori@columbus.gov.

All contractors and subcontractors must obtain valid contract compliance certification numbers from the City's Office of Diversity and Inclusion before contract execution, a mandatory prerequisite distinct from optional set-aside or preference programs.

The scope includes demolition, removal, site grading, and equipment installation across five playgrounds; one play shade structure installation; one swingset demolition and replacement with safety surfacing; and related site work. Work must comply with the 2018 edition of the City of Columbus Ohio Construction and Material Specifications and all applicable Ohio law and City ordinances. Drawings and technical specifications are available on www.bidexpress.com as separate contract documents.

For contracts exceeding $500,000, bidders and their licensed construction trade subcontractors must achieve pre-qualified or provisionally responsible status by the bid due date—a significant qualification filter. For contracts exceeding $100,000, performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract price are required. Bid bonds must equal or exceed ten percent of the total bid amount. Prevailing wage applies as determined by the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services for Franklin County and Columbus. For contracts exceeding $2 million, subcontractors performing work exceeding $50,000 must document adequate health insurance, retirement or pension plans, and quality training.

The City anticipates issuing a notice to proceed in September 2026, with all work to be completed by September 1, 2027. The City reserves the right to award within 180 calendar days from bid opening.