Project Information

Bid Title

Professional Services Steel Creek Park, Master Plan, Design, Engineering & Project Coordination

Issuing Agency

City of Bristol

Location

Tennessee

Published Date

Jan 2, 2026

Closing Date

Mar 18, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

26-006

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Number:	26-006
Bid Title:	Professional Services Steel Creek Park, Master Plan, Design, Engineering & Project Coordination
Category:	Bid Postings
Status:	Open

Description: The selected firm will provide planning, design, engineering, and construction administration services for the Project. The anticipated scope includes, but is not limited to, the following: • Park Amenities: New construction or facility improvements to playgrounds, pavilions and shelters, trails and pathways, splash pad area, seating and picnic areas, landscaping and gardens, signage and wayfinding, safety and security, lighting and fencing, parking and access, educational or nature-focused elements, restroom facilities, golf course driving range improvements, nature center and observation decks, bridges, entertainment areas, train ride enhancements. • Nature Center: Outdoor educational lab, Exhibits and wildlife observation areas. • Park Lodge: Indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, office area, kitchen and serving station, scenic overlook, outdoor social gathering terrace. • Trails: Identify trail needs, repair existing trails, expand and connect trails, add signage, conduct research into new access trail heads, wayfinding and interpretive markers, install benches and rest areas, enhance accessibility and safety, incorporate landscaping and erosion control. • Site and Infrastructure Development: Parking areas, pedestrian access, landscaping, utilities, and stormwater management. • Master Planning: Development of a comprehensive site master plan to guide current and future phases. • Conceptual and Design Development: Preliminary design concepts, cost estimates, design development, and construction documentation. • Construction Administration: Bidding support, contractor coordination, and on-site construction observation. Additional Project Description The focus will be on developing a comprehensive park facility designed to meet the following community goals: A. Boost tourism and regional appeal, positioning Steele Creek Park as a destination for residents and visitors. B. Enhance social cohesion and civic engagement by creating spaces for gatherings, events, and community programs. C. Encourage environmental education and stewardship through interactive exhibits, outdoor classrooms, and nature-based programming. D. Offer varied outdoor recreation experiences, including play, entertainment, walking, biking, wildlife observation, and leisure. E. Promote community health and wellness through active recreation and access to nature. F. Promote conservation and habitat preservation, integrating sustainable landscaping and trail design. G. Provide inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities, in line with ADA standards. H. Support family-friendly and multigenerational experiences, ensuring amenities and programming are accessible for all ages. Publication Date/Time: 1/2/2026 9:00 AM Publication Information: Kingsport Times, BIDNET Closing Date/Time: 3/18/2026 4:00 PM Bid Opening Information: 03/18/2026 Related Documents: STEELE CREEK PARK - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 26-006

Attachment Preview

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR STEELE CREEK PARK, MASTER PLAN, DESIGN,

ENGINEERING, AND PROJECT COORDINATION THROUGH CONSTRUCTION

RFQ – 26-006

Submission Due Date / Time

March 18, 2026, at 4:00PM. EST

City of Bristol, Tennessee

Department of Administration

Purchasing Division

801 Anderson Street, Room 203, Bristol, Tennessee 37620

purchasing@bristoltn.gov

RFQ26-006 – Prof. Serv. Steel Creek Park

March 18, 2026

Introduction

The City of Bristol, Tennessee is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified architectural and

engineering firms to provide professional design services for significant improvements to Steele Creek

Park. The selected firm or team will assist the City with the creation of a comprehensive master plan and

the design and construction oversight of major park and facility improvements (the “project”).

The master plan and Project scope will focus on transforming Steele Creek Park into a premier

recreational and environmental destination. Planned improvements may include upgrades to the trail

system, enhanced signage, mapping and wayfinding, roadway and parking improvements, renovation or

construction of park pavilions and a lodge, facility enhancements to the Steele Creek Nature Center,

construction of an outdoor research lab, overall site landscaping, and additional daily-use park equipment.

The selected consulting team will lead the design process from conceptual design through construction

administration. Services may include architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, planning, cost

estimating, scheduling, document preparation, and construction administration. The team should include

construction-related subject matter experts and demonstrate experience with similar public projects.

Certain key variables, such as the overall budget for the Project, funding sources, and timing, will be

established as the Project moves forward.

The purpose of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to select a highly qualified design team with

demonstrated experience in public recreation facilities, mapping, and large-scale park improvements.

Preference will be given to firms with significant past experience with projects of similar size and

complexity.

The City will use this RFQ process to evaluate qualifications and identify the most suitable consultant to

support Project development. Design services will include conceptual design, design development,

construction documents, and construction administration, with input from City staff and key stakeholders

throughout the process.

All work shall be completed in accordance with applicable City of Bristol, Tennessee standards and

within an agreed-upon Project timeline. Plan delivery is anticipated within 12 to 14 months from the

commencement of the Project.

Community Description

With a population of 27,147, Bristol, Tennessee is a vibrant and close-knit community known for its rich

cultural heritage and strong passion for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Nestled in the

scenic Appalachian Mountains, residents take great pride in the natural beauty of their surroundings and

actively support efforts that promote outdoor activity, wildlife research, and nature-based education.

Steele Creek Park, consisting of approximately 2,200 acres, is one of the largest municipally operated

parks in the State of Tennessee and serves as a vital community asset. The community has consistently

shown strong support for investments that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, strengthen

conservation efforts, and significantly improve the overall beauty and functionality of the park.

Steel Creek Park is already undergoing a major investment as a privately funded, accessible playground,

to be known as Catie’s Playground, is currently in the design phase, with the goal of breaking ground in

2026. One goal of the Project is to incorporate themes from Caties’s Playground into Steel Creek Park as

a whole. These themes include a strong commitment to nature, unique recreational programming, and

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RFQ26-006 – Prof. Serv. Steel Creek Park

March 18, 2026

inclusive facilities that individuals of all abilities may enjoy, helping to make Steel Creek Park a one-of-a-

kind destination in the state of Tennessee.

This Project represents more than park upgrades; it reflects Bristol’s commitment to outdoor recreation,

environmental education, and an enhanced quality of life for its citizens.

Project Background and Purpose

The purpose of this Project is to enhance and transform Steele Creek Park into one of the premier parks in

the State of Tennessee. The City seeks creative and talented design professionals to address significant

opportunities for improvement across park amenities, facilities, and trails. The project will focus on

upgrading existing infrastructure, adding new features, and incorporating innovative approaches that

enhance the overall visitor experience, support outdoor recreation, and strengthen the park’s role as a

community and regional destination.

The City of Bristol envisions a park that balances natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and

educational experiences, including improvements to trails, signage, pavilions, and other visitor facilities.

The goal is to create a modern, efficient, and inclusive park that highlights the community’s passion for

outdoor recreation, wildlife research, and nature-based education. The Department of Parks and

Recreation will serve as the lead division for this project, guiding the design process with input from staff,

stakeholders, and the community to ensure the park reaches its full potential as a signature recreational

destination in Tennessee.

Project Description and Facility Components

The selected firm will provide planning, design, engineering, and construction administration services for

the Project. The anticipated scope includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Park Amenities: New construction or facility improvements to playgrounds, pavilions and

shelters, trails and pathways, splash pad area, seating and picnic areas, landscaping and gardens,

signage and wayfinding, safety and security, lighting and fencing, parking and access, educational

or nature-focused elements, restroom facilities, golf course driving range improvements, nature

center and observation decks, bridges, entertainment areas, train ride enhancements.

• Nature Center: Outdoor educational lab, Exhibits and wildlife observation areas.

• Park Lodge: Indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, office area, kitchen and serving station, scenic

overlook, outdoor social gathering terrace.

• Trails: Identify trail needs, repair existing trails, expand and connect trails, add signage, conduct

research into new access trail heads, wayfinding and interpretive markers, install benches and rest

areas, enhance accessibility and safety, incorporate landscaping and erosion control.

• Site and Infrastructure Development: Parking areas, pedestrian access, landscaping, utilities, and

stormwater management.

• Master Planning: Development of a comprehensive site master plan to guide current and future

phases.

• Conceptual and Design Development: Preliminary design concepts, cost estimates, design

development, and construction documentation.

• Construction Administration: Bidding support, contractor coordination, and on-site construction

observation.

Additional Project Description

The focus will be on developing a comprehensive park facility designed to meet the following community

goals:

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RFQ26-006 – Prof. Serv. Steel Creek Park

March 18, 2026

A. Boost tourism and regional appeal, positioning Steele Creek Park as a destination for residents and

visitors.

B. Enhance social cohesion and civic engagement by creating spaces for gatherings, events, and

community programs.

C. Encourage environmental education and stewardship through interactive exhibits, outdoor classrooms,

and nature-based programming.

D. Offer varied outdoor recreation experiences, including play, entertainment, walking, biking, wildlife

observation, and leisure.

E. Promote community health and wellness through active recreation and access to nature.

F. Promote conservation and habitat preservation, integrating sustainable landscaping and trail design.

G. Provide inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities, in line with ADA standards.

H. Support family-friendly and multigenerational experiences, ensuring amenities and programming are

accessible for all ages.

Scope of Services

The following section summarizes the major tasks and sub-tasks that the City anticipates will be

completed during the study. Please note that all PDFs generated as a component of the deliverables of this

scope of services are to be Section 508 compliant and accessible.

Task 1. Project Management Plan

The consultant will develop a Project Management Plan (PMP). A draft PMP will be delivered to the

Bristol Parks and Recreation Department one week before the Project kick‐off meeting, and the final plan

will be submitted two weeks after the kick‐off meeting. The PMP serves as a single convenient reference

document for matters governing the administration and conduct of the plan from start to finish. It is

intended as a useful resource for staff, the steering committee, and consultant staff. The plan is a living

document and may be subject to revision as the plan proceeds. The plan is to include the following:

• Communication protocols include:

o Conference calls/web meetings with the appropriate information.

o Monthly progress calls.

o In‐person or virtual meetings, as directed by the City, that will include the kick‐off meeting,

stakeholder meetings, and others as requested by the City.

o E‐mail communication protocols.

• Key project contact information for the project manager and key project team members.

• A quality management plan that outlines quality assurance and quality control plan.

• Detailed work plan and deliverables.

• Project schedule.

• Invoicing protocols; and

• Project closeout and implementation plan.

Deliverable(s):

1. Project Management Plan

2. Project Schedule

Task 2. Project Design

It is the intent of the City of Bristol that the selected design firm provide all design services, including

materials, labor, and equipment, as required to plan and model Steele Creek Park’s improvements,

including all site amenities. The final design should accommodate all users of an outdoor park, offering

significant opportunities for recreation. It should encourage active play, promote health and wellness,

provide entertainment and educational experiences, and highlight the importance of nature and the

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March 18, 2026

wildlife that inhabits the park. The design should address the recreational needs of all ages and a variety

of ability levels. The minimum scope of work is outlined below:

1. Coordinate pre-design conference with City staff and entire consultant team to address

project coordination, verify information, and establish goals, objectives, and schedule.

2. Conduct site visits, as needed, to collect pertinent first-hand knowledge of the site in

order to address the condition, context, and adjacent land uses to assist in site analysis.

3. Prepare a design program narrative for the park facility describing the major functional

elements, site development requirements, code, and policy considerations.

4. Prepare a project schedule delineating each phase of design including major milestones.

5. Lead up to two (2) workshop meetings with the attendees to be determined. Meetings

may include City staff, stakeholders, and/or City Council members with the goals of gathering

input and presenting initial designs in order to inform the final design of the proposed facility.

6. Design plan for the facility. Include contextual information for the site (location map, site

photos, etc.)

7. Outline the exact build program to identify additional soil and site testing needs to ensure

design can be constructed. If necessary, the Department of Public Works will contract with a local

firm to conduct soil samples based on this Design Team’s direction.

8. Provide final design for City approval prior to commencement of Construction

Documentation.

9. Prepare for and attend pre-development meeting(s) (“pre-submittal” or other) with other

City departments for review of project-related compliance with City Ordinances, permitting and

inspections, and other regulatory items for inclusion in the construction documents and

specifications.

10. Provide Construction Documentation services, obtain necessary permits for construction,

including plans, specifications, and details.

11. Provide Construction Administration services including support for questions during

bidding, periodic site inspections during construction, review of requests for information and pay

applications, and final walk-through and punch-list development.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Format, Content and Scoring.

The SOQ shall contain the sections listed below, separated by dividers, and shall respond fully to all

requirements of the RFQ. SOQs are limited to 28 single-sided (8-1/2” x 11”) pages, not including a cover

page or dividers, 11-point font. Submittals which do not address each item listed below will be considered

incomplete and will be deemed non-responsive by the Review Committee.

1. LETTER OF INTEREST: Provide a letter of interest signed by an authorized consultant

representative, including contact information. (1-page maximum). (Pass/Fail – no points assigned.)

2. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS: The SOQ must include a project team member organizational chart,

and a listing and biography of key individuals proposed to be assigned to the project, with emphasis

on a designated Project Manager. The Project Manager should be the individual conducting the

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541310Architectural Services
• NAICS 541330Engineering Services

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