Agenda Item Wording:
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Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Needs Assessment, and Park Impact Fee Study - Authorize City Manager to award contract to PROS Consulting of Brownsburg, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $273,755.
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Prepared by: Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director 713-4042, jason.glick@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: It is recommended to authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Pros Consulting in the amount of $273,755 for Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Needs Assessment, and Park Impact Fee Study.
Summary:
The Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment has been identified as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2025-26. To initiate the process, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on August 14, 2025, inviting qualified consulting firms with expertise in developing parks and recreation master plans for municipalities. The RFP, designated as Project 24-25-61, was advertised locally in the Visalia Times-Delta and the Tulare Advance-Register, broadcast on BidNet Direct and the City’s website. In addition, notices were sent to 33 consulting firms as well as various exchanges and plan room networks. The RFP closed on September 3, 2025.
A selection panel, comprised of City staff from both the Parks and Recreation and Engineering departments, was convened to review and evaluate the submitted proposals. On September 17, 2025, the panel met to conduct their review. Four firms responded to the RFP, each submitting thoughtful and comprehensive proposals.
After thorough evaluation, PROS Consulting was unanimously selected by the panel. The firm distinguished itself through its detailed and well-organized proposal, which demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement, a balanced focus on both parks and recreation, and a solid track record of successful projects with municipalities across California and the nation. The quality of their presentation, along with their relevant experience, made them the clear choice to lead this important initiative for the City of Visalia.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia is undertaking the development of a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment. This foundational document will serve as a strategic roadmap to guide the acquisition, development, maintenance, and programming of parks and recreation facilities in alignment with the City’s General Plan over the next 20 years.
The primary goal of the project is to conduct a system-wide assessment of current recreation facilities and programming, identify priority areas for investment and improvement, and establish a vision for equitable access to high-quality parks, green spaces, and recreational opportunities across all Visalia neighborhoods. The plan will also include a Park Impact Fee Study to evaluate current fees and recommend updates to support future development and long-term sustainability.
Key components of the Master Plan include:
• A comprehensive needs assessment for parks and recreation programs and facilities
• Identification of optimal locations for future parks
• Prioritization of improvements to existing park infrastructure and programming
• A review and recommendation of updates to current park impact fees
• A strategy for ensuring fair and equitable access to parks and green space throughout the community
• Development of goals, policies, guidelines, and implementation strategies based on realistic funding scenarios
The plan aims to take a holistic, system-wide approach, providing the City with data-driven tools and community-driven insights to inform both short- and long-term decision-making. The resulting Master Plan will be a critical guiding document for the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents and ensure that Visalia’s parks and recreation system continues to thrive for generations to come.
Fiscal Impact: The City Engineer’s estimate for this project is $275,000. The proposed contract with PROS Consulting, if approved, includes a bid of $273,755.00. This project has budget of $275,000 from the General Fund and Park Impact Fee Fund (CP0669).
Prior Council Action: None
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Council rejects the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Needs Assessment, and Park Impact Fee Study bid and directs staff to evaluate the scope of work.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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Award and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Pros Consulting in the amount of $273,755 for Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Needs Assessment, and Park Impact Fee Study.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 10/20/2025
Attachments: A copy of PROS Consulting’s proposal, agreement and fee schedule is attached for review.