Park Concessions

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to secure one or more concessionaires to operate in parks outdoor open spaces to provide amenities or concessions consistent with the goals of the City of New Haven and New Haven Parks Commission whose mission is “Creating Community through People, Parks and Program.”

Successful respondents will have to align with one or more category:

Concessions: To provide food, beverage or appropriate novelty items to enhance the user experience in the park.

Sustainability: Leverage underutilized parks spaces to provide a service or program to reduce waste, repurpose organic debris or improve the environment consistent with the City’s Climate and Sustainability Framework. If offering food concessions, a commitment to waste reduction and assessing impact on local waste streams and providing access to sustainable materials such as compostable food packaging and recycled materials, please include this information in your proposal.

https://www.newhavenct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/696/637739772480600000

Successful respondents will be able to enter into a license agreement with the City of New Haven for a period of up to one year with up to two one-year renewals at the complete discretion of the Parks Department. Longer terms may be negotiated with the successful respondent(s) subject to the approval of the Parks Commission and Board of Alders.

New Haven, Connecticut is situated in the south-central part of the State along the Long Island Sound, 37 miles south of Hartford, 138 miles southwest of Boston, and 75 miles northeast of New York City. The City has over 130,000 residents and nearly 80,000 daily commuters.

Park locations:

Lighthouse Point Park:

In 1924 the City of New Haven purchased Lighthouse Point Park from the East Shore Amusement Company. Today the serene park is “in season” from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The beach, picnic shelters, splash pad and carousel attract visitors from throughout the region, with crowds in excess of 1,500 each weekend day. The City is currently undertaking a large-scale renovation of the bathhouse facility.

Ideal respondents will be self-contained and able to serve a variety of foods and novelties to satisfy the visitors who spend the day at the beach.

East Rock:

East Rock Summit boasts panoramic views of the City of New Haven. With miles of hiking and biking trails, an active picnic grove, the summit attracts tens of thousands of visitors each summer and fall. Active Areas in and around East Rock include a network of pedestrian friendly walking paths and amenities, playground areas, a ranger station, basketball courts, and fields.

Ideal respondents would be a self-contained food operation specializing in beverages and snacks like ice-cream, nuts, popcorn or pretzels.

East Shore Park

With several soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, Hannah’s Dream playground, a network of waterfront trails and access to the harbor, East Shore has plenty of parking area and active recreation to offer. In addition, the Sal Perto community building is expected to be programmed with Senior Center Activities as well as recreation offerings this upcoming season.

Ideal respondents would provide a food, ice-cream and/or snack option to service the general public during the peak season.

Edgewood Park / Coogan Skate Park:

One of the oldest skate parks in Connecticut, Edgewood Skate Park underwent a significant upgrade in 2018 and again in 2024/2025 adding skateable space and becoming a regional destination for skateboarders. The park is located between the Park’s Department’s Coogan Pavilion recreation center which hosts after school program, camps, programs and game nights and the Edgewood Dog Park which sees dozens of four legged visitors and their companions each day. Edgewood Park also has the Edgewood Park Ranger Station.

Ideal respondents would be a self-contained food operation specializing in beverages, light fair and merchandise that may appeal to skate park and dog park users.

Fort Hale Pier:

Fort Hale Pier was rebuilt after Sandy and Irene damage and re-opened in the 2018 season and instantly became a popular fishing destination. Areas of interest include a small picnic area and playground, parking lot, and scenic views of New Haven Harbor and the Long Island Sound.

Ideal respondents would be self-contained operations specializing in fishing-related items, bait, tackle, beverages and snacks.

Criscuolo Park:
Situated in the City’s Fair Haven Neighborhood Criscuolo Park, often called Chapel Street Park, is home to an active Softball Field, Soccer Field, fishing platform, Colored Infantry Regiment Monument and in 2018 celebrated the opening of Leah’s Place, a state-of-the-art unique playground installation. Part of the Mill River and Fair Haven Walking trail, the park is situated for active use by the community as well as nearby schools. The updated vending ordinance has required vendors to locate on the opposite side of Chapel Street. The selected Licensee will be granted access to designated parking within the Criscuolo Park Parking lot on street at Chapel. Based upon proximity to these established spaces there will not be other vendors permitted on James Street.

Ideal respondents would be self-contained operations able to serve a variety of foods to satisfy the visitors who spend hours at the Park.