Council previews RFQ to find nonprofit operator for Larson Recreation Center

City parks and recreation staff presented a draft request for qualifications (RFQ) seeking a nonprofit operator to run the Larson Recreation Center (LRC) beginning Jan. 1, 2029, with selection planned in October and contract negotiations to follow.

Doug Coutts, Parks & Recreation Director, told the council the RFQ targets nonprofit organizations with experience operating community recreation facilities and that staff hope to transfer routine operations, custodial and maintenance responsibilities to the operator to reduce the city's net cash burden.

"We are going to a request for qualifications, for a nonprofit entity as the financial sustainability plan has kind of directed us on the road towards for the operations at the Larson Recreation Center," Coutts said.

Council members asked about the anticipated net cash effect, custodial and overhead allocations, capital responsibilities while debt service remains on the city books, and whether a multi-organization or single-operator model would be permitted. Coutts said the RFQ could be adjusted to allow joint proposals and that capital responsibilities would be negotiated in contract discussions.

The RFQ timeline: submittals due Sept. 1, staff evaluations in early September, finalist interviews in late September, selection in October, contract scope work Nov.–Jan., and council contract authorization targeted for February with transition planning beginning March 2027.

Council members emphasized contingency planning if a qualified operator is not found and asked for a concise executive summary of applicants when submissions are received. Staff said they would report finalists and negotiate details before any contract execution.

Next steps: publish RFQ, receive proposals by Sept. 1, and return to council with finalist recommendations.