NEW HAVEN PARKS LONG-TERM OPERATOR & PARTNERSHIP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The New Haven Parks Department invites qualified businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits to submit proposals for long-term public-private partnership to access, use, promote, and manage various park facilities for the public benefit. We are seeking innovative collaborations that will help maximize the utility of our assets, expand community programming, increase access to amenities, ensure high maintenance standards, and deliver equitable services to all New Haven residents. Such partnerships may include but are not limited to: use of park facilities for programming, events, or classroom space, operations of a sustainable business or concession on parks grounds, or restoration and management of a park, park building, or park area. Parks and parks areas for which are suitable for these partnerships are further identified within this application.

This effort is driven by the Department's "All Hands for New Haven Parks" strategic planning process. Through this plan, our vision is to foster a culture of public stewardship and collaboration to create a vibrant park system that is open accessible for all. New Haven Parks' goal is to maintain and steward high-quality spaces for a variety of programming and uses including nature-based education, outdoor recreation, sports, community programming, and events. Throughout the parks, there are numerous opportunities for enhanced partnerships to provide innovative programming and to increase the value that parks provide to our residents.

New Haven Parks manages over 130 public spaces. Our "All Hands" strategy recognizes that the actions of the department are essential for maintaining the long-term quality and sustainability of our sites. That said, we can't do it all alone. We rely on the community and partners to use their creativity to best activate the resources we have available in the parks to improve the quality of service for our residents. Applicants should be committed to working with the Department to develop a long-term partnership that brings a positive impact to the parks. Applicants should also speak to priorities within our strategic plan that focus on improving access to parks and park programs for all ages and abilities, getting families outdoors, improving the sustainability of our operations, and getting investment and economic opportunities into underserved areas.

Partners are expected to have the financial capacity to operate as an independent organization. Cost-sharing will occur between the Department in the care, maintenance, and upkeep of park facilities but no direct funding will be offered to support the elements of an organization's operations that are occurring off-site of park grounds or outside of the scope of an agreement. Additionally, partnership proposals must include an element of capacity building for the parks in service of our mission to the public. This includes providing fundraising support for capital maintenance and repairs as well as other kinds of in-kind and material support. Priority will be extended to organizations that are in good standing with the parks and which have acted as good partners previously. All agreements must be consistent with the rules and regulations set forth by the Department, the Commission on Parks, Programs, and Recreational Facilities, existing labor and collective bargaining agreements, and city ordinance.