Master Site Plan for S.B. Elliott State Park RFP
Requests for Proposals for a Master Site Plan for a PA Wilds presence at S.B. Elliott State Park
PRELIMINARY TIMELINE
- RFP Posted and available for viewing – October 1, 2021
- Proposals due – November 1, 2021 (4 pm)
- Project Kick-off – January 10, 2022
- Anticipated Project Completion – June 1, 2022
PURPOSE OF PLAN
PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship (PA Wilds Center), a regional nonprofit, is requesting proposals from qualified firms to complete a master site plan for a PA Wilds anchor presence at S.B. Elliott State Park located off of I-80 in Clearfield County. This project has the potential to lead to additional work, including design and construction documentation, following the initial planning phase.
S.B. Elliott is located at the start of the Elk Scenic Drive, a much-traveled gateway into the PA Wilds region. The early, long-term vision is to rehabilitate two CCC-era log buildings at the park to create an energy-efficient welcome center, gift shop, and experience that can serve as a jumping-off point for visitors to the PA Wilds region. This site will build on a suite of related anchor investments across the 13-county PA Wilds region, which are helping to revitalize communities through outdoor recreation development.
The master site plan should analyze existing activities at the park and potential future visitation; include a conceptual site layout and renderings; outline renovation needs to existing structures and consider new infrastructure needs (public restrooms, electric charging stations, etc.); provide an estimated cost analysis for such improvements and how a phased approach might be taken; and provide recommendations for DCNR’s operations at the park given the increased activity. Design concepts must align with the PA Wilds Design Guide for Community Character Stewardship.
A second CCC-era log building will be part of the master site plan but not part of Phase 1 construction. The vision is to rehabilitate the second structure to house some kind of PA Wilds experience for visitors. A variety of concepts have been suggested, from outfitting services to an interpretive experience to food and lodging. While this ‘experience’ will be part of Phase 2 construction/renovations at the park, it will be important to consider it early on so the master site plan is flexible enough to allow for its development at a later date.
ABOUT THE PA WILDS REGION
The Pennsylvania Wilds, one of the state’s 11 official tourism regions, is a large rural area that covers about a quarter of the Commonwealth. The 13–county landscape is known for its more than two million acres of public land — more than Yellowstone National Park. It also boasts two National Wild & Scenic Rivers, the largest wild elk herd in the Northeast, and some of the darkest skies in the country. The region has a rich oil and lumber heritage and maker culture.
For more information: pawilds.com
ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that strengthens and inspires communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds. PA Wilds Center is the lead nonprofit for the PA Wilds Conservation Landscape, a 17-year public-private collaborative effort to establish the PA Wilds as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to create jobs, diversify local economies, inspire stewardship and improve quality of life. This collaborative effort has led to double-digit growth in visitor spending in every county of the PA Wilds over the last decade, supporting many small business startups and expansions. Nationally this effort is looked at as a model for rural asset-based development; it has been featured in five national studies in the last two years.
PA Wilds Center houses key stakeholder structures for this regional effort and operates programs and services for rural businesses and communities looking to leverage it. PA Wilds Center also works closely with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), federal and philanthropic funding partners and local partners from the public and private sectors to coordinate investment in the regional strategy. The PA Wilds Center’s work is sustained through program fees, philanthropic giving, government grants, and entrepreneurial activities related to the Pennsylvania Wilds brand.
For more information see: pawildscenter.org.