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Highlands approves RFQ process after $1.56 million raised for inclusive playground
Summary
The Highlands Board of Commissioners approved seeking design qualifications for an inclusive playground after commissioners heard that donors and a recent golf tournament raised $1,560,933.23 toward the project; staff will prepare a request for qualifications and pursue required municipal procurement steps to begin design and bidding.
The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners on Sept. 18 voted to proceed with a request for qualifications to design an inclusive playground, after hearing that community fundraising and a recent golf tournament raised $1,560,933.23 for the project.
The action follows a presentation by Commissioner Brian Steeler, who led fundraising efforts and reported the net proceeds from the tournament and other donations. He said the organizers also raised $72,000 net at this year’s scholarship golf tournament and that the overall playground fund totaled $1,560,933.23 in the town bank. The board approved beginning the procurement process under municipal requirements so staff can solicit design teams.
Why it matters: the board and donors intend the playground to be “inclusive” and to be completed in time for a planned 2026 opening. Moving to an RFQ lets the town identify qualified designers and preserve the community’s fundraising momentum while following municipal procurement rules.
What the board approved and next steps The board voted to authorize staff to prepare and issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for playground design work and to begin the municipal procurement steps required for contracting. Josh Ward, the town manager, confirmed the town attorney reviewed the recommended procurement approach. Commissioners Weller and Lester were noted as familiar with site-preparation issues; staff will return with bid documents and a timetable for the design and construction procurement.
Funding and timeline Commissioner Steeler said the $1,560,933.23 already raised includes $72,000 net from the most recent Highlands scholarship golf tournament and other donations; he said a hospital foundation grant application is pending. He asked the board and staff to begin the bidding and procurement process "according to the requirements of municipalities that must follow by law." The board expressed support for moving ahead with the RFQ so design work and formal bidding can follow.
Community role and stewardship Steeler, who was recognized later in the meeting for 14 years of board service, said he will continue to help with the project though he will no longer serve on the board. The board and staff said they will coordinate site-preparation work and the RFQ process with the goal of advancing design and beginning construction procurement in 2025–2026.
What was not decided The board did not adopt a final design, set a guaranteed construction start date, or award construction contracts at the Sept. 18 meeting. Those steps will follow selection of a design firm through the RFQ process.
