Parks Department puts out RFP to operate Lake City Community Center

The Lake City Community Center

The Seattle Parks Department is soliciting proposals for operation and maintenance of the Lake City Community Center. Proposals for the facility are due April 16th, 2012.

The building is owned by the City of Seattle after being donated to the City by the Lake City Lions Club. From the Request For Proposal:

The Seattle Lake City Lions Club built the original Lake City Community Center building in 1955 to operate as the Lake City Youth Center, Inc. providing recreational opportunities for youth. In 1964 the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) accepted the Center and adjacent property as a gift from the Lions Club with the condition that the Lions Club make improvements to the building and operate it as a public recreation center

In 1980 DPR further expanded the facility to its current size of 15,000 square feet, ensuring space for additional recreational and programming opportunities was available to the general public

In April 2007, Seattle City Council approved a new five year lease with Lake City Community Center Inc. (LCCCI) to operate and maintain the facility. In addition to a variety of rentals facilitated and managed by the LCCCI to both for-profit and non-profit organizations, DPR staff has operated a successful after-school program for middle school students in the facility. This agreement expires on May 30, 2012.

If this program was to be extended, DPR is interested in providing continuing support for this program at the center

DPR is interested in securing a long-term partner to operate the facility as well as be responsible for all building maintenance.

As such, DPR is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking interested parties and service providers to submit proposals for a long term agreement for the operation and maintenance of the Lake City Community Center and to offer community activities, recreational programs and outreach to the Lake City neighborhood. The provider may also propose additional uses to enhance public access and increase neighborhood engagement.

Also from the Request for Proposal

The Lake City Community Center is a 15,000 square foot facility and currently programmed as a multi-use recreation center with some reoccurring rentals for weekend flea markets, cost-free weekly use by non-profits and an annual salmon-bake fundraiser for the LCCCI

Lake City Community Center is currently operated by the Lake City Community Center Inc (LCCCI) under a lease with DPR.

Please be advised that the center is not comparable to a typical DPR community center and does not include a gymnasium.

The facility is 57 years old and in overall fair condition. It is however an aging facility. There is no wheelchair ADA accommodation to the second floor of the building. In order for the facility to operate more successfully it may require more than cosmetic upgrades and considerable capital improvements to accommodate new programs and services.

Routine maintenance and operation is currently handled by the LCCCI. Major maintenance is and will remain the responsibility of DPR.

What kind of vision do you have for the Lake City Community Center? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.




The RFP packet can be accessed here: http://cityofseattle.gov/parks/partnerships/rfp.htm