Gilroy staff to seek consultants for parks and recreational trails master plan, council allocated $310,000

City staff told the Parks & Recreation Commission the city council authorized $310,000 for consultant services to prepare a combined parks and recreational trails master plan. "On 20[xx]‑six, the city council authorized $310,000 for the preparation of the parks and recreational trails master plan," staff said, noting the money is for consultant services rather than staff time and that a revised RFP with changes to scope was included in the packet.

Staff asked the commission to provide input before the RFP is posted, suggested one or two commissioners serve on the consultant interview panel, and recommended keeping the commission’s regular work plan modest because the master plan effort will be time consuming. Staff estimated about 14–18 months from contract award to completion and described the plan as focused on inventorying existing improvements, replacement value, and prioritizing maintenance versus new amenities.

Commissioners asked whether the recreation assessment was included; staff said the recreation assessment is a separate but parallel effort and that relevant rec-program findings will inform the parks and trails work. Commissioners also requested the RFP incorporate past documents such as the Safe Routes to School plan and other existing trail master plans to give consultants full background information.

Staff said they would bring the RFP back for further discussion at the commission’s March meeting and proceed to post and advertise the solicitation after commissioners have a chance to review updates.