Site work for a mixed-use development in Van Buren, Ohio. Conceptual plans call for site work for a playground / park / athletic field.

The selected firm will be responsible for reviewing relevant historical reports, inspections, and any additional documentation provided by ODNR.1 The selected firm shall apply for and obtain all necessary regulatory permits, assist with addressing downstream/ upstream impacts and environmental issues, maintain current estimates of probable construction costs through the design, and assist with bidding and construction administration services. Cultural resources assessments may be required depending on property type and location. All work shall be performed in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including Ohio Dam Safety rules and regulations. The agreement may be amended or extended to provide post construction monitoring services as necessary in order assure H2Ohio program compliance or other project requirements. For the purposes of this selection process, the distance from site shall be determined by the distance from Van Buren State Park located at 12259 Township Road 218 Van Buren, OH 45889. The selected A/E, as a portion of its required Scope of Services and prior to submitting its proposals, will discuss and clarify with the Owner and/or the Contracting Authority, the cost breakdown of the Architect/Engineer Agreement detailed cost components to address the Owners project requirements. Participation in the Encouraging Growth, Diversity & Equity (EDGE) Program is a requirement of Article 1.3 of the A/E Agreement with the State of Ohio. As required by the Agreement, and as properly authorized, the selected A/E will provide the following categories of services: Study and Report Verification, Preliminary Design, 50% Design, 90% Design, 100% Design (Construction Document Preparation), Bid and Award Support or GMP Proposal and Amendment (as applicable), Conformed Documents, Construction Administration, Post-Construction, and Additional Services of all types. Originally inhabited by the Shawnee, the area surrounding Van Buren State Park is rich in woods and agricultural lands. The park's 296 acres offer a calm, peaceful retreat with camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking opportunities that can be enjoyed year-round. Located in the park, Van Buren Lake is a reservoir created by the construction of Van Buren Lake Dam in 1939. A Class II (medium hazard) dam, Van Buren Lake Dam has exceeded its service life and decommissioning of the structure must be completed to meet dam safety regulatory requirements. Additionally, sediment, siltation, and excessive nutrients have accumulated within the reservoir area, resulting in impaired habitat and loss of recreation opportunities. ODNR, in coordination with the H2Ohio, has proposed a revitalization of the reservoir area through the decommissioning of the dam along with the creation of new wetlands and habitat areas within the reservoirs existing footprint. The current reservoir area is estimated to be 55 acres. The primary goal of habitat improvements and wetland creation is to reduce nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants currently flowing into the reservoir area from the watershed that feeds the Rocky Ford creek. Additionally, the newly created wetland and habitat areas will become a new focal point for Van Buren State Park and support future generations of users with educational and recreational opportunities. ODNRs intent is to perform this project in phases to meet permitting requirements and construction milestones. To achieve a project within time constraints and a reasonable budget, if feasible, ODNR is seeking a design that fits within USACE 404 Nationwide Permit #27 parameters. The selected firm would begin the project by providing ODNR with a preliminary design report and alternatives analysis, along with appropriate permitting, planning and design to decommission the dam and dewatering plans. The second phase will be focused on final design and construction for wetland creation and habitat improvements. As required, and as funding is identified and available, the selected firms agreement may be amended and extended to perform planning services, trail design, bridge and viewing platforms, education features, paddle sports access, accessible features, or other systems that may be necessary to support future visitation and recreation at Van Buren State Park. Project phases may occur sequentially or concurrently as necessary to achieve project requirements established by the H2Ohio program, ODNR, environmental permits, or at the recommendation of the selected firm. Shortlisted firms will be encouraged to consider and present alternative approaches that would reduce the project duration. The method of contractor selection has not been determined at this time.