Site work for a recreation facility in Milton, Vermont. Completed plans call for site work for a recreation facility.

The Town of Milton, Vermont (the "Town") invites qualified development entities to submit proposals for a Ground Lease opportunity involving the design, financing, construction, and operation of a Multi-Generational Recreation Facility ("Facility") on Town-owned property. This opportunity seeks a private partner to develop and manage a high-quality, multi-use recreation complex that meets strong regional demand for indoor recreation and wellness amenities. The Town's objective is to make publicly owned land available under favorable lease terms to encourage private investment, with the lessee retaining full operational control and revenue responsibility. The proposed development site is located at Bombardier Park, a centrally situated Town-owned parcel adjacent to U.S. Route 7 and close to Interstate 89. The property offers excellent access, visibility, and adjacency to existing municipal and recreation amenities. 2.2 Market Summary Key findings from the HVS Feasibility Study include: o A service area of over 205,000 residents within 45 minutes, with higher-than-average household income and recreation spending. o Unmet demand for indoor gymnasium, aquatics, turf, and ice facilities. o A recommended phased development, beginning with a community center and gymnasium, followed by aquatics, indoor turf, and ice components. o An estimated economic impact exceeding $2.4 million annually once fully developed. Milton is positioned as a regional hub for year-round sports, recreation, and wellness, with limited competition in northwestern Vermont. 3. Ground Lease Framework 3.1 Lease Type and Term o Type: Long-term ground lease. o Initial Term: Anticipated 50 years, with renewal options negotiable. o Lease Rate: Nominal or below-market rent, subject to negotiation based on investment level, community access, and project feasibility. 3.2 Ownership and Use o The Town retains ownership of the land. o The Lessee will finance, construct, and operate all improvements for the duration of the lease. o The property shall be used for purposes consistent with the creation and operation of a Multi-Generational Recreation Facility as defined in the HVS study. 3.3 Operations and Maintenance o The Lessee shall be solely responsible for maintenance, operations, insurance, and utilities. o The facility shall be operated as a private enterprise, open to the public through memberships, rentals, and programs as determined by the Lessee. 4. Project Scope and Development Expectations The Town seeks a partner to: 1. Design and construct the initial phase of the recreation facility, incorporating the community center and gymnasium. 2. Finance the project using private capital; no direct Town funding is anticipated. 3. Operate and maintain the facility throughout the lease term. 4. Plan for phased expansion to include aquatics, turf, and ice as market conditions support. 5. Incorporate a licensed childcare/preschool component within the facility, to be leased to and operated by an established nonprofit childcare provider based in Milton. The selected development partner will coordinate with the provider and the Town during the design and construction phases to ensure the space meets state childcare licensing standards and aligns with the provider's programmatic needs. 6. Provide Milton resident benefits, including: a. Discounted membership and program rates for Milton residents compared to non-residents. b. Dedicated facility-use times and scheduling priority for the Town of Milton Recreation Department, Milton-based organizations, schools, and community groups. c. A pricing and access structure that reflects the Town's contribution of land and long-term lease support. These requirements are intended to ensure that Milton residents and local organizations enjoy tangible, ongoing access advantages, while maintaining a financially sustainable private operation. The project is guided by the HVS Market and Feasibility Study (January 2, 2025), which confirmed substantial market support for a phased recreation complex serving both Milton and the greater Burlington-St. Albans region. The proposed development site is located at Bombardier Park, a centrally situated Town-owned parcel adjacent to U.S. Route 7 and close to Interstate 89. The property offers excellent access, visibility, and adjacency to existing municipal and recreation amenities. The Town seeks a partner to: 1. Design and construct the initial phase of the recreation facility, incorporating the community center and gymnasium. 2. Finance the project using private capital; no direct Town funding is anticipated. 3. Operate and maintain the facility throughout the lease term. 4. Plan for phased expansion to include aquatics, turf, and ice as market conditions support. 5. Incorporate a licensed childcare/preschool component within the facility, to be leased to and operated by an established nonprofit childcare provider based in Milton. The selected development partner will coordinate with the provider and the Town during the design and construction phases to ensure the space meets state childcare licensing standards and aligns with the provider's programmatic needs. 6. Provide Milton resident benefits, including: a. Discounted membership and program rates for Milton residents compared to non-residents. b. Dedicated facility-use times and scheduling priority for the Town of Milton Recreation Department, Milton-based organizations, schools, and community groups. c. A pricing and access structure that reflects the Town's contribution of land and long-term lease support. These requirements are intended to ensure that Milton residents and local organizations enjoy tangible, ongoing access advantages, while maintaining a financially sustainable private operation. Any clarifying questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Chris Taylor, Town Manager, at ctaylor@miltonvt.gov. The Town reserves the right to: o Reject any or all proposals. o Negotiate lease terms with one or more respondents. o Modify or withdraw this RFP at any time. o Accept proposals deemed in the best interest of the Town.