Memorandum

City of Lawrence                               

Parks and Recreation Department

TO:	Dave Corliss, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Fred DeVictor, Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Date:	April 25, 2006
RE:	PLAY Committee request for proposal for feasibility study

          The Partners for Lawrence Activities and Youth (PLAY) Committee has been organized and first met on March 16^th.

Members of the committee are:

Committee member                    Representing organizations

Bonnie Lowe                                                      Originator of PLAY proposal

Bob Sanner                                                        Chamber of Commerce

Pam Madl                                                          Douglas County

Mike Grosdidier                                                  Douglas County

Linda Robinson                                                   USD 497

Rick Gammill                                                      USD 497

Paige Hofer                                                        Schools Foundation

Chris Schumm                                                   P&R Advisory Board

Sue Hack                                                           City

Ernie Shaw                                                        City

Dave Corliss                                                       City

Fred DeVictor, Chair                                           City

Wayne Osness                                                   KU

Doug Stremel                                                     at large

Doug Vance                                                       at large

Julie Manning                                                     at large

Mark Buhler                                                       at large

Scott Morgan                                                     at large

          The Committee discussed the initial proposal from Bonnie Lowe, which was presented to the City, County, School District and the Chamber of Commerce this past winter.  The mission is to evaluate the present state of athletic facilities and sports programs in Lawrence and to investigate the need for competitive sports and recreational facilities for our community.

          A second PLAY committee meeting was held on April 5^th to discuss a request for proposal for a needs assessment and feasibility study.  The committee has developed the attached RFP for your consideration and approval.

          The PLAY committee is in the process of requesting the four entities funding this project; City, County, USD 497 School Board and Chamber of Commerce to approve the RFP and agreement to fund this project.

          We ask that this RFP be approved and a submittal date be set for June 2^nd, 2006.  If approved, the committee will undertake screening and interviewing interested firms and make recommendation to you for entering into a contract for this needs assessment.