Site work for a playground / park / athletic field in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Conceptual plans call for site work for a playground / park / athletic field.

The City of Portsmouth, Portsmouth School Department is seeking qualified firms to design and build playgrounds that are not only accessible but also provide enriching experiences for children of all abilities, supporting their physical, social, and cognitive development. Modern best practices in playground design emphasize going beyond basic accessibility to create truly inclusive environments where every child can play, learn, and grow together. Question Submission Deadline:May 12, 2025, 12:00pm The City of Portsmouth, Portsmouth School Department is seeking proposals to upgrade four (4) elementary playgrounds. The School Department has allocated funds in the Capital Improvement Plan for upgrading the playgrounds to be more universally accessible and nature-based initiative. The selected consultant will work closely with the School Department to develop designs that meet the specific needs of each elementary school while adhering to safety standards and budget constraints. Focusing on these aspects, the School Department is looking to create playgrounds that are not only more accessible but also provide experiences for children of all abilities, supporting their physical, social, and cognitive development. The proposed playground(s) will be replacing existing equipment and layouts with a focus on being 'barrier free' for children in grades K-5. This inclusive design will feature classic play structures, nature-based elements, garden/landscape experiences, and ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all children regardless of their abilities. The design should incorporate principles of universal design and nature-based play, including: Equitable Use - The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Flexibility in Use - The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Simple and Intuitive - Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Perceptible Information - The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. Tolerance for Error - The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Low Physical Effort - The design can be used efficiently and comfortable with a minimum of fatigue. Size and Space for Approach and Use - Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility. In addition, this project must be in compliance with ADA standards for Accessible Design. The UA playground design should incorporate the principles of universal design, defined as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design (based on the seven principles of universal design established by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State). A nature-based playground is a play area designed to mimic natural environments, incorporating elements like trees, rocks, logs, and sand features allowing children to engage in imaginative play through exploration and interaction with the natural landscape, promoting physical activity, creativity, and environmental awareness while minimizing the use of manufactured play equipment. While we are looking to create a UA and Nature Base Playground System. We also want to include classic play structures such as swings, slides and climbing structures as part of the design process. It's important to note that the timeline for each school playground project is tight. Given the phased approach for these projects, the overall timeline may extend beyond its estimated timeline. Communication from the beginning is key component in order to keep this project on time. The Director of Buildings & Grounds and Building Principal will be responsible for overseeing the consultant's work. The Director of Buildings & Grounds and Business Administrator will be coordinating project and overseeing the construction work. The School Department does not have the resources with regard to the ability to conduct surveys and other engagement tools to assist the consultant.