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City issues RFQ for nonprofit operator to run Larson Recreation Center
Summary
The city released a draft RFQ seeking a nonprofit or qualified operator to take over operations at the Larson Recreation Center; staff expects submittals July 1–Sept. 1 and will select finalists in September with contract authorization targeted for February.
The city is seeking a qualified operator to run the Larson Recreation Center under a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process the council reviewed Wednesday.
Parks & Recreation Director Doug Koots said the RFQ is aimed at nonprofit or similarly qualified organizations to assume day-to-day operations, utilities, custodial duties and routine facility maintenance while the city retains ownership and responsibility for long-term debt service. "What we're asking for right now is, do you have the bandwidth and capability of running a facility like this?" Koots said, explaining the city will evaluate applicants' experience running comparable facilities.
Council members probed cost and scope: staff presented an estimated gross annual operating cost roughly $1 million and said a large portion of that total is an internal allocation for central services and facilities maintenance. Staff emphasized the RFQ will seek entities that can assume utilities, custodial work and routine maintenance; capital projects and debt service would remain the city's responsibility while negotiable in contract terms.
The RFQ window will open July 1 and close Sept. 1; staff plans finalist interviews in September, a selection in October, contract negotiations November–January and a council authorization target in February, with transition work beginning in March 2027. Council requested executive summaries of applicants during the evaluation phase and discussed the possibility of multi-entity partnerships if a single operator cannot cover all program needs.
Staff noted the city's intention is not to eliminate programs but to transfer operational responsibility and reduce net general-fund subsidy; if an applicant declines particular programs, the city's recreation division would explore alternatives to maintain community access.
