Bentonville Parks and Recreation 10 Year Master Plan

The City of Bentonville, Arkansas, through its Parks and Recreation Department, is soliciting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from multidisciplinary professional firms to develop a new ten-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This comprehensive plan will serve as a long-range guide for land acquisition, capital improvements, operations, and the development of programs and amenities for a community of over 65,000 residents. The project is being developed in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation Design Excellence Program to help the department achieve a Gold Medal level of operation. The selected consultant must analyze current community needs and project how population growth and demographic changes will shape recreation requirements over the next decade. Eligible prime consultants must be prequalified through the Walton Family Foundation Design Excellence Program and all team members must hold the necessary professional licenses required by the State of Arkansas. The project is expected to last between 15 to 18 months, with a notice to proceed anticipated between November and December 2026 and the final adoption process concluding in Spring 2028. Key deliverables include a detailed master plan, GIS data, asset inventory databases, and up to four presentations to city leadership and stakeholders. Submissions are due by 2:00 PM CST on September 17, 2026, and must be delivered digitally via email, USB, or CD. Required documentation includes a signed Letter of Interest, Statement of Qualifications, a non-collusion affidavit, an illegal immigrant certification form, and the firm's equal employment policy. The City will select the best qualified respondent based on qualifications, availability, and capacity, without initial consideration of price. Once the highest-ranked respondent is identified, the City will negotiate the detailed scope of services, project schedule, and fees.