July 7, 2010

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is seeking area nonprofit organizations interested in operating and maintaining city facilities that have been closed due to budget reductions. Over the next six months, the department will issue requests for proposals seeking organizations to operate and maintain more than a dozen shuttered facilities.

The first phase of the process begins July 20 and will cover RFPs to operate and maintain five facilities: the South Mountain Environmental Education Center; the North Mountain Visitor Center; South Phoenix Youth Center; Thunderbirds Teen Center; and Arizona Horse Lovers Park. Additional facilities, including Telephone Pioneer Park and Telephone Pioneer Park Pool will be posted later this summer.

Interested organizations will be able to download the first of the RFP materials on the city website at phoenix.gov/rfp beginning July 20. Until the RFP process officially opens on this date, organizations with questions can call 602-534-1504 or request information by sending an e-mail to ann.wheat@phoenix.gov.

Overall, the Parks and Recreation Department is seeking organizations that share the department’s mission -- “Building healthy communities through parks, programs, and partnerships” -- understand each facility’s intended use and demonstrate the capacity to provide services at a level similar to those the city offered prior to budget reductions. By issuing RFPs, the departments is insuring a competitive, fair and streamlined process that can be adapted to the unique requirements for each facility and the community it serves.

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