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Parks staff brings Cara Park RFP and potential vendor-funded playground grant to Bay City board
Summary
Parks staff told the board the Cara Park request for proposals is with purchasing and outlined a vendor-linked equipment grant that could contribute roughly $200,000 toward an estimated $1 million project; staff emphasized the grant would be optional and not obligate the city to a specific vendor.
Bay City parks staff said the Cara Park request for proposals (RFP) is now with purchasing and will seek combined design-and-install bids, and they outlined a potential vendor-funded equipment grant that could significantly reduce equipment costs for the planned project.
Parks staff said the city’s project budget for Carroll (described in the meeting as roughly $1,000,000) currently estimates about $200,000 for equipment. Staff described a vendor-linked grant program associated with manufacturers such as GameTime (Sinclair Recreation) and PlayCore that could provide matching equipment value — effectively adding about $200,000 in equipment funding if awarded. Staff cautioned the grant is not obligating: "it is not obligated," staff said, explaining that if the vendor did not win the subsequent bid the city would not be required to accept that vendor or the grant-funded solution.
The staff timeline noted a vendor could be awarded in February with spending required by the end of that calendar year. Board members asked whether the grant would simply backfill city funds; staff answered that the grant would be additional funding rather than a reimbursement of local budgeted dollars. The presentation also mentioned an inclusivity certification associated with some vendors’ products; PlayCore’s inclusivity program was described as a third-party or vendor-specific certification that could support an accessible, certified inclusive playground.
Board members and staff discussed procurement details and next steps: issuing the combined design-and-install RFP, budgeting for possible vendor membership resources (NRPA access for committee members), and confirming that bids will be evaluated normally. No formal vote was required on the RFP or the grant at the meeting.
The next procedural steps are for purchasing to post the RFP and for staff to continue outreach and budgeting work; staff signaled they will return with procurement outcomes and any grant award information for board consideration.
