River Park Master Plan

The City of Watsonville (hereinafter referred to as the "City") is soliciting proposals from qualified and licensed landscape architecture firms with demonstrated experience in park planning, public engagement, conceptual design, and project administration. The selected consultant will provide professional services to prepare a Park Master Plan in accordance with the Scope of Work and performance requirements outlined in this Request for Proposals (RFP).

A key component of this project is a comprehensive community engagement process to ensure that the proposed improvements reflect the needs, priorities, and vision of the community. Input gathered through public outreach and stakeholder engagement will inform the development of a conceptual master plan for River Park.

The consultant's services will also include the following deliverables:

• Develop conceptual design alternatives for park improvements, recreational amenities, landscaping, circulation, and other site elements.
• Prepare dimensioned site plans, illustrative elevations, and high-quality color renderings to support public outreach, stakeholder review, and City approvals.
• Refine the preferred conceptual design into a comprehensive master plan that will serve as the basis for the future preparation of construction documents and phased implementation.

Background

The City of Watsonville Parks & Community Services Department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of 26 public parks, including three community parks, six neighborhood parks, and 17 pocket parks, encompassing approximately 153 acres of parkland. The City's park system serves nearly 52,000 residents, as well as neighboring Santa Cruz County residents and the broader Pajaro Valley community located south of the city limits. In addition, the Santa Cruz County Parks system includes five parks within the Watsonville community's sphere of influence.

In 2020, the City adopted the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan ("Strategic Plan"), which builds upon the goals established in the 2009 Parks Master Plan to guide the continued growth, modernization, and long-term sustainability of Watsonville's parks and recreation system. The Strategic Plan establishes a framework for future park improvements, redevelopment projects, and recreational investments throughout the City. It identifies a comprehensive action plan to create an interconnected network of parks, trails, recreational facilities, and programs that promote recreation, public health, environmental stewardship, and equitable access. The Strategic Plan also documents existing park conditions and provides guidance for prioritizing park and recreation improvements over the coming decade.

In 2024, the City adopted the Watsonville Parks Assessment Report ("Assessment"), which provides a comprehensive evaluation of both City and County parks serving the Watsonville community. The Assessment establishes a priority ranking system based on existing park conditions, community value, and equity considerations to help guide future capital investments and planning efforts. Based on this evaluation, River Park was identified as the City's highest-priority park for renovation among the 24 City parks assessed.

The purpose of this project is to engage the community in the development of a conceptual design for the renovation of River Park, located at 100 E. Front Street.

Project Details

• Department: Parks & Community Services
• Department Head: Nick Calubaquib (Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-08-06T00:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• General —

  Proposal will be evaluated using the criteria stated in this document. Proposal from firms meeting the mandatory criteria described below will be evaluated for the other selection criteria.

• City Rights and Options Pertinent to This Solicitation —

  The City, at its sole discretion, reserves the following rights:

  • To reject any, or all Proposalor information received pursuant to this request document;
  • To supplement, amend, substitute or otherwise modify this document at any time by means of written addendum;
  • To cancel this request with or without the substitution of another request or prequalification process;
  • To request additional information;
  • To verify the qualifications and experience of each respondent;
  • To require one or more respondents to supplement, clarify or provide additional information in order for the City to evaluate Proposalsubmitted;
  • To hire multiple contractors to perform the necessary duties and range of services if it is determined to be in the best interests of the City: and
  • To waive any minor defect or technicality in any Proposalreceived.
  • The City accepts no financial responsibility for any costs incurred by the respondent. All submittals become the property of the City and may be used in any way deemed appropriate. 
• Scope of Work —

  The primary objective of this project is to prepare a community-informed River Park Master Plan that establishes a long-term vision for future park improvements and provides a conceptual framework for future design, funding, and implementation. The City seeks a consultant with demonstrated expertise in park planning, landscape architecture, and public engagement to develop a creative and inclusive planning process that reflects the priorities of the Watsonville community. At a minimum, the Consultant shall complete the following tasks.

  Task 1 – Project Initiation and Work Plan

  The Consultant shall conduct a project kickoff meeting with the City's Project Team to review project objectives, confirm project roles and responsibilities, refine the scope of work, establish communication protocols, and finalize the project schedule.

  The Project Team will consist of key City staff who will provide technical guidance and policy direction throughout the project.

  As part of this task, the Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Community Engagement Plan that includes, at a minimum:

  • Strategies for partnering with neighborhood organizations, schools, and community-based organizations.
  • Outreach methods designed to engage historically underserved populations, including low-income households, communities of color, Spanish-speaking residents, seniors, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
  • A schedule of community workshops, stakeholder meetings, pop-up events, and public presentations.
  • Public engagement tools such as surveys, visual preference exercises, photo simulations, focus groups, interviews, interactive workshops, and online engagement opportunities.
  • Methods for documenting and incorporating community feedback into the Master Plan.

  The Consultant shall also prepare a Request for Information (RFI) identifying all background documents, GIS data, record drawings, as-built plans, utility information, studies, and other information required from the City.

  Meetings

  • Staff Project Team Meeting #1

  Deliverables

  • Project kickoff meeting agenda and summary
  • Final project work plan and schedule
  • Community Engagement Plan
  • Request for Information (RFI)

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  Task 2 – Existing Conditions Assessment and Topographic Survey

  The Consultant shall evaluate existing site conditions and coordinate a comprehensive topographic survey of River Park to support preparation of the Master Plan and conceptual design alternatives.

  The Consultant shall also review applicable City plans, policies, design standards, and previous planning documents to ensure consistency with adopted City goals and identify opportunities and constraints affecting future park improvements.

  The topographic survey shall be completed by a licensed land surveyor and, at a minimum, include:

  • AutoCAD (.dwg) base mapping and TIN/3D Surface model.
  • Existing utilities (storm drainage, sanitary sewer, potable water, irrigation, and other utilities).
  • Property boundaries, easements, rights-of-way, setbacks, and deed restrictions.
  • Building footprints, entrances, and finish floor elevations.
  • One-foot contour mapping.
  • Existing trees, canopy extents, shrub masses, and significant vegetation.
  • Spot elevations at grade changes, walls, stairs, curbs, pavement transitions, and drainage structures.
  • Surface and marked underground utilities including irrigation equipment.
  • Existing Park amenities, including playgrounds, courts, fencing, lighting, furnishings, signage, irrigation equipment, and other site improvements.

  Meetings

  • Interdepartmental Staff Workshop
  • Staff Project Team Meeting #2

  Deliverables

  • Existing Conditions Assessment
  • Existing Conditions Summary 
  • Topographic Survey (AutoCAD and TIN/3D Surface)
  • Staff Project Team Meeting agenda and summary

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  Task 3 – Community Engagement and Concept Alternatives

  The Consultant shall implement the approved Community Engagement Plan and conduct a comprehensive public outreach process to identify community priorities and develop conceptual alternatives for River Park.

  The City encourages innovative outreach methods that maximize participation from residents of all ages and backgrounds. All public engagement activities shall be conducted in both English and Spanish. Translation and interpretation assistance may be provided by the City, if necessary.

  Based on community input and technical analysis, the Consultant shall prepare two (2) conceptual design alternatives illustrating potential park improvements and amenities. Each concept shall be accompanied by an Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC).

  Meetings

  • Staff Project Team Meeting #3
  • Community workshops and outreach events

  Deliverables

  • Community engagement materials
  • Community engagement summary report
  • Two conceptual design alternatives
  • Opinion of Probable Construction Cost for each alternative
  • Staff Project Team Meeting agenda and summary

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  Task 4 – Draft River Park Master Plan

  Following review of community input and existing site conditions, the Consultant shall prepare a Draft River Park Master Plan identifying the preferred conceptual design and long-term vision for the park.

  The Draft Master Plan shall include:

  • Existing conditions summary
  • Community engagement findings
  • Preferred conceptual design
  • Site improvements and recreational amenities
  • Circulation and accessibility improvements
  • Landscape and planting concepts
  • Sustainability recommendations
  • Preliminary implementation strategy and phasing
  • Updated Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

  The Consultant shall present the Draft Master Plan to City staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the City Council for review and comment.

  Meetings

  • Staff Project Team Meeting #4
  • Parks and Recreation Commission (1)
  • City Council (1)

  Deliverables

  • Draft River Park Master Plan
  • Draft Conceptual Design
  • Updated Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
  • Staff Project Team Meeting agenda and summary

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  Task 5 – Final River Park Master Plan

  The Consultant shall prepare the Final River Park Master Plan incorporating comments received from City staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the City Council.

  The Final Master Plan shall provide a comprehensive planning document that guides future capital improvements and serves as the basis for future design and construction.

  Meetings

  • Staff Project Team Meeting #5

  Deliverables

  • Final River Park Master Plan
  • Final Conceptual Design
  • Final color renderings
  • Final Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
  • Final Staff Project Team Meeting agenda and summary

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• Project Site —

  River Park – 100 E Front Street, Watsonville, CA

  This community pocket park offers a children’s playground, picnic tables, a basketball court, and is 1.43 acres

  

   

• Compensation —

  Compensation shall be determined as part of the formal contracting process.

• Mandatory Elements —
  • If services offered require engineering expertise, the firm is licensed to practice civil engineering in California.
  • The firm has no conflict of interest with regard to any other work performed by the firm for the City.
  • The firm adheres to the instructions in this request for qualifications statements.
  • To be considered, the firm shall answer "yes" to question 3.1.4. requiring that the Consultant accepts City of Watsonville standard consultant agreement, including specifically listing City’s Hold Harmless Indemnity requirements and insurance coverage requirements, without modification.
• Formal Approval of Contract —

  The respondent understands that issuance of this solicitation does not commit the City of Watsonville to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this solicitation, or to procure a contract for services. The respondent should note that the execution of any contract pursuant to this solicitation is dependent upon the approval of the Watsonville City Council, as required.

• Submittal Selection Process —

  General

  Submissions will be evaluated based on the general completeness of the response and the City's evaluation of the firm's approach, experience, knowledge, and references related to the specific scope of work requested. Some key areas considered in the selection process are highlighted below, but not an exhaustive list of what may be considered in the selection process.

  Mandatory Elements

  The firm has no conflict of interest with regard to any other work performed by the firm for the City.

  The firm adheres to the instructions in this document and has provided a clear, well-formatted, professional and concise Proposal.

  Evaluation Criteria

  Qualifications: Experience in performing work of a similar nature; working with public agencies, and stability of the firm (20 points).

  Pricing and Cost: Competitiveness, reasonableness of cost, provided fee schedule (20 points).

  Project Approach: Understanding of the requirements and objectives; logic, clarity, specificity, and overall quality of work plan and proposed schedule (20 points).

  Delivery Schedule and Timeline: Identification of key benchmarks and time estimates for performing the services for each phase of the project. List the total months required, including the dates of all key milestones (20 points). 

  Quality of Responsiveness of Proposal: Completeness of response in accordance with the RFP instructions (20 points). 

  Submittal Selection Process

  A Selection Committee will review and evaluate the submittals, with a focus on the Evaluation Criteria above. Based on the evaluations of the Selection Committee, the qualified respondents will be ranked. The City may request an informal interview with one or several of the top ranked firms which will be taken into consideration in final selection. Once selected, the top ranked team overall will be requested to meet with the City to finalize the Contract, Scope of Work and cost proposal. If agreement cannot be reached, negotiations will be terminated with the firm and opened with the respondent ranked next in order. If a contract is awarded, the City will contract with the selected consultant utilizing the City’s standard consultant services agreement. The agreement requires the consultant to secure auto and general commercial liability insurance naming the City and its employees additional insured, professional errors and omissions insurance and workers compensation insurance. A copy of the City’s standard consultant services agreement is available for inspection by request. The negotiated contract will require approval by the City of Watsonville City Council for services exceeding $100,000.

• Independent Contractor Status —

  The respondent agrees, if selected, that they shall perform the services as independent contractor(s) and not employee(s) of the City.

• Contact with the City of Watsonville and City Personnel —

  Questions regarding this solicitation shall be directed through the City's OpenGov Procurement portal located at: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/watsonville-ca.

  All questions are due before 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

• Public Disclosures —

  The respondent understands that as a general rule all documents received by the City are considered public records. Therefore all submittals shall be made available for public inspection according to applicable disclosure rules and regulations.

• RFP Schedule —

  The City will make every effort to adhere to the schedule provided below:

   

  Issue Document:	July 13, 2026
  Deadline for Submitting Questions:	August 5, 2026, 5:00pm
  Response Due:	August 13, 2026, 3:00pm

• Confidential Solicitation —

  The City will not share the details of individual responses to this solicitation with competing respondents during the selection process. After the selection process ends and a contract is awarded, all solicitations become public information.

• News Releases —

  The respondent agrees, if selected, that the City will review and approve all news releases pertaining to this solicitation and/or subsequent agreement(s). All news releases will be submitted in writing to the City’s project manager. The project manager will review and submit the news release to the appropriate City personnel for final review and approval in a timely manner.

• Conflict of Interest/Financial Disclosure —

  The respondent agrees, if selected, to comply with the City’s duly adopted Conflict of Interest Code. Key personnel who will be performing services under this Agreement are required to make disclosures with respect to the City of Watsonville.

• Indemnification —

  The respondent agrees, if selected, to accept the City of Watsonville standard consultant agreement, including specifically listing City’s Hold Harmless Indemnity requirements and insurance coverage requirements, without modification.

• Examination of Solicitation —

  The respondent understands that the information provided herein is intended solely to assist the respondent in submittal preparation. To the best of the City’s knowledge, the information provided is accurate. However, the City does not warrant such accuracy, and any errors or omissions subsequently determined will not be construed as a basis for invalidating this solicitation. Further, by submitting a response to this solicitation, the respondent represents that it has thoroughly examined and become familiar with work required in the solicitation and is capable of performing quality work and to achieve the objectives of the City.

• Equal Opportunity Program —

  The City of Watsonville is strongly committed to equal opportunity in solicitation of services. All eligible service providers including individuals, contractors, vendors, consultants, grantees, lessees, and banks, must comply with applicable Equal Opportunity Guidelines.

• Nondiscrimination Policy —

  The respondent shall not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability in the solicitation, selection, hiring or treatment of its employees, the City staff, other City consultants or other members of the public.

• Insurance Coverage —

  Provide evidence of insurance coverage in the following amounts:

  1. 1. Errors & Omission up to $1,000,000;
     2. Commercial Liability up to $1,000,000 per occurrence;
     3. Business Automobile Liability up to $1,000,000 per occurrence;
     4. Workman’s Compensation in the statutory amount.
        
        Firms may assume for the purpose of pricing that the selected consultant shall be required to maintain insurance throughout the period of the contract in sufficient amounts as to protect the consultant & the City from all claims & liabilities which may arise from operations under this contract, whether such operations by him/herself or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by him/her.

Submission Requirements

• 1 Submittal Components —

  Proposals shall be clear, concise, and organized in the order identified below. The proposal should demonstrate the Consultant's understanding of the project, qualifications, technical approach, and ability to successfully complete the requested services within the proposed schedule and budget.

  1. Cover Letter

  Provide a cover letter signed by an individual authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually. At a minimum, the cover letter shall include:

  • Firm name, mailing address, website, telephone number, and email address.
  • Name and title of the authorized representative.
  • Identification of the office location that will manage the project, if the firm has multiple offices.
  • Identification of all proposed subconsultants and a summary of their roles and responsibilities.
  • A statement confirming the Consultant's understanding of the project and commitment to perform the requested services.

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  2. Firm Qualifications and Experience

  Describe the firm's qualifications and experience relevant to this project. Include information demonstrating the firm's ability to successfully complete park planning and landscape architecture projects of similar size and complexity.

  At a minimum, include:

  • Brief history of the firm (maximum two pages).
  • Areas of expertise and core services.
  • Experience preparing park master plans, conceptual park designs, community engagement programs, and construction cost estimates.
  • Experience working with California public agencies.
  • Experience managing projects involving multidisciplinary consultant teams.

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  3. Project Understanding and Technical Approach

  Describe the Consultant's understanding of the project objectives and the City's expectations.

  Provide a detailed work plan describing how each task identified in the Scope of Work will be completed, including:

  • Project management approach.
  • Quality assurance/quality control procedures.
  • Community engagement strategy.
  • Existing conditions assessment methodology.
  • Conceptual design process.
  • Deliverable preparation.
  • Coordination with City staff and stakeholders.
  • Assumptions, constraints, and recommendations that may improve project outcomes.

  The work plan should clearly demonstrate the Consultant's understanding of the project schedule, deliverables, and desired outcomes.

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  4. Project Schedule

  Provide a proposed project schedule illustrating all major tasks, milestones, review periods, public meetings, and deliverable dates.

  The schedule should identify:

  • Project kickoff
  • Existing conditions assessment
  • Community engagement activities
  • Development of conceptual alternatives
  • Draft Master Plan
  • Parks and Recreation Commission presentation
  • City Council presentation
  • Final Master Plan

  The Consultant shall demonstrate its ability to complete the project within the City's anticipated six-month schedule.

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  5. Project Team and Key Personnel

  Identify the proposed project team and describe the qualifications of all personnel assigned to the project.

  Include:

  • Organizational chart showing the prime consultant and all subconsultants.
  • Roles and responsibilities of each team member.
  • Identification of the Project Manager and primary point of contact.
  • Resumes for all key personnel highlighting:
    • Name and title
    • Education and professional registrations
    • Relevant experience
    • Years of experience
    • Specific responsibilities on this project
  • Two (2) professional references for the proposed Project Manager and other key personnel with experience on similar projects.

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  6. Relevant Project Experience and References

  Provide descriptions of at least three (3) projects completed within the past five (5) years that are similar in scope and complexity to the services requested in this RFP. Experience with park master planning, public engagement, conceptual park design, and California public agency projects is preferred.

  For each project, include:

  • Client name
  • Project title
  • Project location
  • Brief description of services provided
  • Total project budget
  • Consultant's scope of work
  • Project completion date
  • Client contact name and title
  • Client telephone number and email address

  The City reserves the right to contact any references provided and any other client references known to the City.

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  7. Cost Proposal

  Submit a separate sealed Cost Proposal that includes:

  • Lump-sum fee by task identified in the Scope of Work.
  • Breakdown of labor hours by task.
  • Hourly billing rates for all personnel classifications.
  • Estimated reimbursable expenses and other direct costs.
  • Any optional or additional services not included in the base scope.

  The Cost Proposal shall remain valid for a minimum of ninety (90) days following the proposal due date.

  The fee schedule is to help the City get an understanding of the firm's approach to providing the services and the total estimated cost. Final contract price will be mutually negotiated between the City and consultant.

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  8. Required Forms and Attachments

  The following documents shall be completed, signed where applicable, and included with the proposal:

  • Acceptance of the City's Professional Services Agreement (or identify requested exceptions)
  • Insurance Requirements Acknowledgement and Certification of Ability to Provide Required Coverage
  • Certificate of Non-Collusion (Prime Consultant and all Subconsultants)
  • Previous Contract Performance and Litigation Statement (Prime Consultant and all Subconsultants)
  • Cost Proposal/Fee Schedule (submitted as a separate attachment)
  • Any additional information the Consultant believes will assist the City in evaluating the proposal.

  Failure to submit all required forms and attachments may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive.

• Submittal Upload Section (required) —

  Please upload one PDF of the Proposal response which contains all items listed above except the cost related information which will be uploaded separately.

• Cost Proposal Upload Section (required) —

  Please upload a separate PDF that only contains the cost proposal or rate shet. Note that the cost proposal should not be submitted with the overall proposal PDF above.

• Additional Information (optional) —

  For any additional information requested or required by any of your provided answers please upload that additional documentation here. Scoring will be based on the official proposal submitted above, but the City may take any additional information submitted here into consideration when reviewing the submitted proposal. This section is optional.

• Acceptance of Standard Agreement (required) —

  Does your firm accept the City of Watsonville standard consultant agreement, including specifically the City's Hold Harmless Indemnity requirements and insurance coverage requirements, without modification? A copy of the current Consultant Agreement is included as Attachment A.

• Submittal Authorization (required) —

  By confirming here and submitting, Respondent confirms their authority (and has uploaded necessary documentation proving such) to submit this Response in its entirety as submitted and enter into a contract on behalf of the Company Name stated in said Response. Such confirmation will be understood as the Respondent stating that they have completely read and understand this Request For Qualifications in its entirety including any and all Addenda released prior to the time of submittal.

• Pricing (required) —

  Will there be a need for the electronic pricing table in this RFQ?

• Proposal or SOQ (required) —

  Enter if this is a Proposal or an SOQ