Project Information

Bid Title

Founders Oak Park Playground

Issuing Agency

City of Cartersville

Location

Georgia

Published Date

May 1, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 1, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

RFP: PR-26-003

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Number:	RFP: PR-26-003
Bid Title:	Founders Oak Park Playground
Category:	Bids & RFPs
Status:	Open

Description: The City of Cartersville is seeking proposals from qualified playground designers and manufacturers to design, supply, and install playground equipment for Founders Oak Park, a new pocket park being created as part of the City Hall redevelopment project. The playground will serve as a tribute to the historic Founders Oak Tree, which was planted when the city was founded more than 175 years ago. While the tree has reached the end of its life and must be removed for safety reasons, the City intends to honor its legacy by transforming the space into a welcoming park for families and children. The selected firm will help create a unique playground experience inspired by the character and legacy of the oak tree while providing an engaging and inclusive play environment for the community. Publication Date/Time: 5/1/2026 12:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 6/1/2026 2:00 PM Related Documents: RFP_PR-26-003_FoundersOakParkPlayground_Cartersville CityHall_PhasedPlan

Attachment Preview

Request for Proposals

Founders Oak Park Playground

RFP: PR-26-003

Proposals Due:

Monday, June 1, 2026

2:00 PM EST

Issued by

City of Cartersville, Georgia

Questions should be directed via email to:

Freddy Morgan – fmorgan@cartersvillega.gov

Assistant City Manager

1 N Erwin Street, Cartersville, GA 30120

CC: Logan Bagley – lbagley@cartersvillega.gov

Public Relations & Communications Manager

Introduction

The City of Cartersville is seeking proposals from qualified playground designers and

manufacturers to design, supply, and install playground equipment for Founders Oak Park,

a new pocket park being created as part of the City Hall redevelopment project.

The playground will serve as a tribute to the historic Founders Oak Tree, which was planted

when the city was founded more than 175 years ago. While the tree has reached the end of

its life and must be removed for safety reasons, the City intends to honor its legacy by

transforming the space into a welcoming park for families and children.

The selected firm will help create a unique playground experience inspired by the character

and legacy of the oak tree while providing an engaging and inclusive play environment for

the community.

Project Background

Founders Oak Park is located adjacent to the City Hall redevelopment project and

historically centered around the Founders Oak Tree. The tree, planted at the time of the

City’s founding, has long served as a symbolic landmark within the community.

Due to age and safety concerns, the tree will be removed as part of the City Hall

redevelopment. The City plans to commemorate the legacy of the tree by creating a small

pocket park and playground that celebrates the site’s history while providing an engaging

and inclusive play environment.

Project Goals

• Create a distinctive playground inspired by the legacy of the Founders Oak Tree

• Design a welcoming and inclusive play space for children and families of all abilities

• Provide a variety of play experiences that encourage imagination, movement, and

exploration

• Incorporate seating, shade, and gathering areas for families and caregivers

• Create a cohesive design that reflects the natural character and story of the site

Playground Design Concept

The City envisions a playground centered around a primary tower-style play structure

designed for children of all ages. This structure will serve as the focal point of the

playground and reference the form, strength, and presence of the original oak tree.

This primary structure should offer a range of play opportunities including climbing,

exploration, and elevated play elements appropriate for a wide range of ages.

Additional play elements may include:

• A complementary play structure designed specifically for younger children ages 2–5

• Motion-based play components

• Balance and climbing elements

• Interactive or sensory play features

• Ground-level play opportunities

Designs should create a fun, welcoming environment with a fresh and cohesive look,

offering a modern take on the oak tree through form and character, and creating a playful

space that ties back to the story of the site.

Inclusive Play

The City encourages designs that support inclusive and accessible play. The playground

should provide opportunities for children of varying abilities and developmental stages to

play together.

Design considerations should include:

• Accessible play components

• Sensory-rich play experiences

• Ground-level play opportunities

• Accessible circulation within the playground

• Opportunities for caregivers and family members to comfortably engage in the space

Additional Park Elements

In addition to playground equipment, proposals may include recommendations for

complementary park features such as:

• Seating areas and benches

• Shade structures or shade elements

• Gathering spaces for families

• Thematic elements that reinforce the story of the Founders Oak Tree

These elements should support the usability and comfort of the park while maintaining the

overall theme of the site.

Project Timeline and Coordination

Construction of the new City Hall facility began in late February / early March 2026 and is

anticipated to be completed in approximately 13 months.

Once City departments relocate to the new facility, the existing City Hall building will be

demolished and work will begin in that area. Installation of the Founders Oak Park

playground will occur during this phase of the project (months 13-16).

The selected playground vendor will be expected to coordinate with the City and the City

Hall project team to ensure delivery and installation aligns with the overall construction

schedule.

Site Work Responsibilities

Site preparation and general site work for the playground area will be completed by the

general contractor for the City Hall project.

This work may include grading, base preparation, utilities, and other site improvements

necessary to prepare the playground area for equipment installation.

The awarded playground vendor will be responsible for coordinating equipment

specifications and installation requirements with the City to ensure compatibility with the

prepared site conditions.

Playground Surfacing

The playground design must include rubberized safety surfacing appropriate for the

proposed equipment and compliant with applicable playground safety standards.

The selected vendor will be responsible for:

• Providing the rubberized surfacing system

• Coordinating layout and fall zone requirements

• Installation of the rubberized surfacing

• Ensuring surfacing meets applicable safety standards and manufacturer specifications

Surfacing should complement the overall design theme of the playground.

Scope of Services

The selected firm will be expected to provide:

• Conceptual playground design

• Proposed equipment and play components

• Layout and site integration based on City-provided plans

• Product specifications and safety compliance documentation

• Cost proposal for equipment and related components

• Supply and installation of rubberized playground safety surfacing

• Coordination with City staff and the City Hall project team during design and

implementation

All playground equipment and surfacing must comply with applicable ASTM, CPSC, and ADA

accessibility standards.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Conceptual design or visual examples illustrating the proposed playground approach

• Description of proposed play structures and equipment

• Product specifications and materials information

• Estimated cost for equipment and related components

• A proposed project timeline based on the City-provided project schedule, demonstrating

the vendor’s ability to meet anticipated delivery and installation timeframes

• Photographs of similar playground projects completed by the vendor

• References from comparable projects

Attachments

The following materials are included with this Request for Proposals and should be used by

proposers when preparing their submissions:

Attachment A – Site plan with approximate dimensions of the playground site

Attachment B – Phased construction plan for overall City Hall project

These documents provide the layout, dimensions, and context for the Founders Oak Park

playground area and should be referenced when developing proposed playground designs

and equipment layouts.

Selection Criteria and Scoring

Design Creativity and Theme Integration – 35%

Evaluation of how well the proposed design captures the spirit of the Founders Oak Tree

and creates a memorable and engaging play environment.

Play Value and Inclusivity – 25%

Evaluation of the variety of play opportunities, accessibility, and ability to support children

and families of varying ages and abilities.

Quality and Durability of Equipment – 20%

Evaluation of materials, craftsmanship, safety standards, and long-term durability of the

proposed equipment.

Cost and Overall Value – 20%

Evaluation of the overall cost of the proposal and the value provided relative to the design

and equipment offered.

Total: 100%

Project Schedule

RFP Issued: Friday, May 1, 2026

Questions Due: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

City’s Responses to Questions: Friday, May 15, 2026

Proposals Due: Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 2:00PM EST

Selection and Contract Award: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Submission Instructions

Proposals must be returned in a sealed package marked on the outside with “Request for

Proposal – City of Cartersville Founders Oak Park Playground” and the company name.

Each submission must include one (1) printed copy of the proposal as well as a digital copy

on a USB drive.

Proposals should be delivered to:

City Office Building

1 N Erwin Street

Cartersville, Georgia 30120

Additional Information

The City of Cartersville reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to select the

proposal that best serves the City’s interests.

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 238990All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
• NAICS 423910Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

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