RFP- Knowlton Park Playground Replacement Project – Comprehensive Playground Replacement

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January 12, 2026 in City Newsletter, City of Ellsworth News, Communications, Economic Development, Recreation, RFPs & RFQs – Archived

Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Knowlton Park Playground Replacement Project – Comprehensive Playground Replacement

Including Cabled‑System Climbing Structure (Centerpiece Installation – May 2026)

Issue Date: January 12th, 2026
Proposal Due Date: March 5th, 2026 at 2 pm
Deadline for Questions: February 26th, 20026
Anticipated Award Date: March 17th, 2026

Contact:
Roddy Ehrlenbach
Director, Parks, Recreation & Facilities
rehrlenbach@ellsworthmaine.gov
(207) 667‑2563

1. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT INTENT

The City of Ellsworth (“City”) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified and experienced playground equipment manufacturers and/or installers to provide a turnkey replacement of the existing playground at Knowlton Park, located at State Street & Shore Road, Ellsworth, Maine.

The City’s intent is to contract with a single vendor capable of delivering the entire playground replacement as a cohesive, integrated project.

A large‑scale, commercial‑grade cabled‑system climbing structure shall serve as the centerpiece and focal point of the new playground and of the City’s public fundraising campaign supporting the overall playground replacement. This centerpiece structure is targeted for installation in May 2026, with the remainder of the playground completed in coordination with that installation.

2. PROJECT LOCATION

Knowlton Park
State Street & Shore Road
Ellsworth, Maine 04605

The existing playground is located within a defined play area. A site map is included for reference.

3. PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City seeks a comprehensive solution that includes, at a minimum:

  • Removal and disposal of the existing playground structure
  • Design and layout of a new playground
  • Supply of all new, commercial‑grade playground equipment
  • A cabled‑system climbing structure as the primary feature
  • Safety surfacing
  • Installation and site restoration
  • Post‑installation inspection and closeout documentation

The playground must be designed primarily for children ages 5–12, with optional secondary play elements for ages 2–5 permitted but not required.

All work must comply with applicable ASTM, CPSC, ADA, state, and local requirements governing public playgrounds.

4. SCOPE OF WORK

4.1 Demolition and Removal

  • Remove the existing GameTime by PlayCore playground structure in two (2) phases.
    • Phase I – removal of equipment in area to locate new climber. (May 2026)
    • Phase II – removal of remaining playground structure(s) to locate new component. (Spring 2027)
  • Properly dispose of all removed materials offsite.
  • Protect adjacent facilities, landscaping, and park amenities.

4.2 Cabled‑System Climbing Structure (Centerpiece)

The playground shall include one (1) commercial‑grade cable system climbing structure that:

  • Serves children ages 5–12
  • Provides an approximate use zone of 40 ft × 30 ft
  • Has a minimum fall height of approximately 8 feet
  • Includes all cables, hardware, anchoring systems, and structural components
  • Complies with ASTM F1487, CPSC Pub. 325, and ADA requirements

Delivery Deadline: No later than April 15, 2026
Target Installation: May 2026

4.3 Playground Design

  • Design Flexibility: Proposers shall demonstrate flexibility in their design approach to accommodate anticipated public input during the final design phase. Concepts should allow for reasonable adjustments to layout, play components, and aesthetic elements without exceeding the total bid amount or compromising safety, code compliance, or the overall project schedule. The City intends to refine the final design in collaboration with the selected vendor, informed by community feedback and fundraising outcomes, while remaining within the financial constraints established by the awarded proposal.
  • Provide a minimum of two (2) conceptual playground designs to replace the remaining structure(s).
  • Designs shall integrate the cabled‑system climbing structure.
  • Include scaled site plans, equipment layouts, use zones, fall heights, and surfacing extents.
  • Provide renderings suitable for public presentation and fundraising purposes.

4.4 Additional Playground Equipment

  • All additional play components must be new, commercial‑grade, and designed for high‑use public settings.
  • Equipment should provide a variety of physical, social, and inclusive play opportunities.

4.5 Safety Surfacing

  • Provide and install compliant impact‑attenuating surfacing for all play areas.
  • Clearly identify surfacing type(s), depth, and warranty.

4.6 Installation and Site Work

  • Provide all labor, equipment, footings, anchoring, grading, and site preparation.
  • Restore disturbed areas to match surrounding conditions.

4.7 Inspections and Closeout

  • Conduct or coordinate a CPSI post‑installation inspection.
  • Provide as‑built drawings, warranties, maintenance manuals, and inspection documentation.

5. VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

Proposers must demonstrate:

  • Authorization as a manufacturer and/or distributor of commercial playground equipment
  • Experience with municipal or institutional playground projects of similar scale
  • Compliance with ASTM, CPSC, and ADA standards
  • Proof of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence
  • CPSI certification for installers

6. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposals shall include the following, organized in the order listed:

  1. Cover letter
  2. Firm information and qualifications
  3. Project approach and understanding
  4. Playground design concepts and renderings
  5. Detailed specifications for the cabled‑system climbing structure
  6. Proposed project schedule, including May 2026 installation milestone
  7. Itemized cost proposal (demolition, equipment, surfacing, installation, inspections)
  8. Warranty information
  9. Relevant project experience and references
  10. Insurance and certification documentation

7. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

  • RFP Issued: January 12th, 2026
  • Site Walk: February 4th, 2026 at 10 am
  • Questions Due: February 26th, 20026
  • Proposals Due: March 5th, 2026 at 2 pm
  • Anticipated Award: March 17th, 2026

The City reserves the right to adjust this schedule as necessary.

8. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on best overall value using the following criteria:

  • Compliance with RFP requirements (15%)
  • Quality, safety, and creativity of design (30%)
  • Vendor qualifications and experience (20%)
  • Schedule and ability to meet May 2026 installation milestone (10%)
  • Cost and overall value (25%)

9. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit sealed proposals clearly labeled:

“RFP – Knowlton Park Playground Replacement Project”

Attn: Roddy Ehrlenbach
City of Ellsworth
1 City Hall Plaza
Ellsworth, ME 04605

Late submissions will not be considered.

10. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The City of Ellsworth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, request clarification, amend or withdraw this RFP, and award a contract deemed to be in the best interest of the City.