CLP RFQ Draft ESE 401 Draft

Justin Vitkus

Professor Tomkin

ESE 401

12 December 2014

Introduction:

The largest focus of my internship experience was on Crystal Lake Park in Urbana,

Illinois. Crystal Lake Park is one of Urbana’s largest and most popular parks to visit among

members of the community and is in certain need of improvement. The park recently added a

new public pool/ water park entitled “Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center” in 2012 and

community members also felt that the surrounding park was in need of an upgrade. Working

with Tim Bartlett, Urbana Park District Executive Director, Derek Liebert, Superintendent of

Planning and Operations, and Adam Kirby, Special Projects Assistant, I established a specialized

Request for Qualifications in order to receive work requests from interested teams/ firms to

develop a lake management plan for Crystal Lake Park.

Abstract:

Developing this Request for Qualifications was necessary in order for Crystal Lake Park

to see any shoreline and water quality changes. Although this document has not been made

available to possible teams/ firms, soon it will be. After presenting the project idea to the

Natural Areas Committee at the Planning and Operations Center in Urbana, we have obtained

around $25,000 in project funding from stakeholders. Through research and site visits, I drafted

the lake management plan request and hope to soon see enhancements to Crystal Lake Park in

the near future.

December 12, 2014

Crystal Lake Park Lake Management Plan Page 1

URBANA PARK DISTRICT

URBANA, ILLINIOIS

INFORMATION PACKAGE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

FOR

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK

URBANA, ILLINOIS

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE:

MARCH 13, 2015

Planning and Operations / 1011 E. Kerr/ Urbana IL, 61801

Tel: 217-344-9583/ Fax: 217-344-9585/ www.urbanaparks.org

December 12, 2014


Contents

Project Description………………………………………………………………...………………2

Purpose of Lake Management Plan……………………………………………………….2

Park Description…………………………………………………………………………………..3

Aerial Map View…………………………………………………………………………………..3

Park History……………………………………………………………………………………….4

Detailed Timeline………………………………………………………………...………..4

Description of Lake and Contributing Watershed………………………………………………...5

Crystal Lake Topography and Sediment Evaluation……………………………………………...5

Part 1………………………………………………………………...…………………….6

Part 2………………………………………………………………...…………………….6

Part 3………………………………………………………………...…………………….7

Notes………………………………………………………………...…………………….7

Sediment Analysis Map…………………………………………………………………...8

Design Objectives………………………………………………………………...……………….9

Developmental Concerns……………………………………………………………….....9

Existing Infrastructure Evaluation………………………………………………………...9

Current Issues and Conditions…………………………………………………………….9

Wildlife Management and Assessment……………………………………………………9

Visions for Future………………………………………………………………...……….9

Scope of Services………………………………………………………………...………………10

Analysis and Programming Evaluation………………………………………………….10

Concept Design………………………………………………………………...………...10

Crystal Lake Park Master Plan Update…………………………………………………..10

Schedule………………………………………………………………...………………………..11

Selection Process………………………………………………………………...………………11

Selection Committee………………………………………………………………………

Selection Criteria………………………………………………………………...………11

RFQ Evaluation Process………………………………………………………………...11

Interviews………………………………………………………………...………………11

Submission Materials………………………………………………………………...………….

Cover Letter………………………………………………………………...……………12

History and Qualifications……………………………………………………………….12

Personnel and Sub-consultants……………………………………………………………

Relevant Projects………………………………………………………………...…….

Proposed Project Schedule……………………………………………………………….13

References………………………………………………………………...……………13

Project Budget………………………………………………………………...…………13

Client Responsibilities………………………………………………………………...…………13

Agreement………………………………………………………………...……………………13

Contact Information………………………………………………………………...……………13

Acknowledgement of Interest Form……………………………………………………………14

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December 12, 2014


Project Description:

The Urbana Park District (UPD) requests that professional planning teams/firms submit written

statements of interests and qualifications for:

LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK (CLP)

URBANA, ILLINOIS

The scope of work is to develop a lake management plan that will address water quality,

sediments, storm water inputs, the fishery, geese management, and shoreline/island restoration.

The plan should include construction estimates for any recommendations included in the lake

management plan. The work is to begin on or around June 1, 2015 and should be completed no

later than 12 months from the date of authorization to proceed. The award and scheduling of

future work, including final design and construction will be subject to project funding via

community referendum support. Successful lake management plan development and a

satisfactory relationship with the District could lead to award of future work.

The Information Packet, which contains the scope of work and submission requirements, is

available at 1011 E. Kerr Ave/ Urbana, IL 61802 / (217) 344-9583. Information Packets are

additionally available by sending an email to Derek Liebert at [email protected] with

“Request for Crystal Lake Park Lake Management Plan RFQ” in the subject line. Top ranked

firms will be invited to attend an interview session.

Submissions are due no later than 4:00 p.m., March 13, 2015. Submission should include 6 print

copies and 1 electronic copy and in addition, submit 1 poster of relevant work in both print and

electronic formats.

Submissions and questions should be addressed to:

Derek Liebert, Superintendent of Planning and Operations

Urbana Park District

1011 E. Kerr Ave., Urbana, IL 61802

[email protected]

Work: (217)-344-9583

Fax: (217)-344-9585

Cell: (217)-417-1120

Justin Vitkus, Landscape & Environmental Studies Intern

[email protected]

Cell: (815)-739-3890

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Central Time

mailto:[email protected]



December 12, 2014


Crystal Lake Park Description:

Crystal Lake Park is approximately 149 acres and is located in northern Urbana. The site

includes a popular 14-acre lake with two inaccessible islands , Lake House, the Anita Purves

Nature Center, a 0.9 mile section of the saline Branch creek, 59 acre Busey Woods, a mature tree

canopy, the Labyrinth Garden, and several pavilions. The park recently added a new aquatic

center in 2012 that has become very successful and the rehabilitation of the lake would only add

to the success. Park uses include boating, fishing, hiking/running, birding, picnicking, and

leisure driving. Programming and special events include day camps, music, festivals, and

community runs. Planning and design should additionally take into consideration surrounding

land uses. The concept design should conform with the City of Urbana’s Comprehensive Plan

and the Crystal Lake Park Neighborhood Plan, particularly as they relate to connectivity.

“Crystal Lake Park is bordered by the Champaign County Fairgrounds to the west, the Carle

Clinic/ Hospital campus to the southwest, downtown Urbana to the south, residential, including

Champaign County Housing Authority’s Crystal View to the east, and the Urbana Country Club

and Woodlawn Cemetery to the north” (Bartlett 8).

Park Aerial View:

Photo Credit: Justin Vitkus

December 12, 2014


Park History:

1887

o A significant portion of present-day Crystal Lake Park was once Union Park in

the late 1880s, privately owned by Jacob Y. Wallick.

o He dammed the West Branch [of the Salt Fork] at Broadway Avenue to create a

lake of about ten acres at the approximate site of the current lake.

o Crystal Lake received its name in the late 1880’s and was a popular fishing and

row-boating spot.

1897

o Jacob Y. Wallick’s property was acquired by the City of Urbana and was sold in

1897 to Minnie and Benjamin Swartz.

o The two new owners made many improvements, including building a pavilion,

acquiring a lighting contract from the City of Urbana, and erecting a lake house

overlooking the lake (serving as a theatre, dance hall and boat house).

1907

o Crystal Lake Park was acquired by the Urbana Park District and is the oldest park

in the Urbana Park District

1927

o Crystal Lake Park added a public pool.

1952

o The park board opposed locating a section of expressway along the northern edge

of Crystal Lake Park to preserve the natural habitat and promote a safe area for

recreational purposes.

1973

o HOK Associates of St. Louis completed a rehabilitation and expansion plan of

Crystal Lake Park. The report had three phases which included improving water

quality, eliminating the pool and other old/unused buildings, and to acquire the

fairgrounds (the site of the new pool).

1978

o The Urbana Park District again ordered an engineering study, this time by hiring

Clark, Dietz, and Associates, to specifically “pinpoint in detail the problems of

the lake and to develop a feasible plan for rehabilitation in an environmentally

sensitive way”.

1979

o The Anita Purves Nature Center opened.

1980

o A new public pool was installed in the site of the old pool.

1983

o Another rehabilitation plan was ordered to study and improve 7-acres of the lake.

1986

o Major improvements were implemented, including improvements to storm

sewers, spawning areas, building of a fountain, a walkway bridge and fishing

piers, and landscaping along the shoreline.

o A sediment basin was installed to help improve water quality (Gibble 13).

December 12, 2014


2012

o The Urbana Park District installed a new aquatic center in the same site as the old

pool.

2013

o IEPA fishery testing recorded the lake’s mercury levels as exceeding the

consumption advisory (Appendix A-2. 7).

2015

o The sediment collected in the sediment basin is set to be removed.

Description of Lake and Contributing Watershed:

Crystal Lake is approximately a 14-acre lake in northern Urbana originally formed within the

former channel of the West Branch of the Salt Fork (Gibble 12). The lake was dammed off

creating the saline ditch that now flows to the east. The lake is a major depository for storm

water drainage as well as a popular fishery. The obscure shape of the lake and stormwater flow

contributes to a large settlement of sediment in the lake’s northern basin. The Illinois

Department of Natural Resources has recently tested the lake due to water quality concerns (high

levels of Mercury), but results have yet to be published. In 2010, fish tissue samples were taken

by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and mercury levels were above normal

threshold, but no public advisory was issued (City of Urbana, Illinois Surface Water Quality

Report November 2014 3). In the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s “Appendix A-2.

Illinois' 2014 303(d) List, (sorted by Water Name)”, Crystal Lake was noted for high mercury

levels. Although high mercury levels seem to be the main water quality concern, other notable

problems with water quality exist. Stormwater runoff from existing roadways, parking lots, and

pathways directly runs into the lake and pollutes the water with carcinogenic hydrocarbons, most

notably Benzo[a]pyrene (Nemeth 4). Shorelines of Crystal Lake Park have become extremely

eroded and the two islands have had a lack of maintenance. Current issues with water meal and

duck weed continue to grow also due to improper aeration techniques.

Crystal Lake Topography and Sediment Evaluation:

The sediment basin on the northern most point of the lake still serves its purpose of collecting

and isolating contaminated sediment, but has not been emptied since the summer of 1985 and

measured sin the summer of 2006. The sediment basin is set to be removed soon, but is not

listed as a required service in the proposed lake management plan.

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December 12, 2014


Notes:

The rehabilitation in 1985 was the process of removing sediment from Crystal Lake’s

bottom. Each “circled” number represented the proposed spot elevations while the

“bracketed” numbers were the existing spot elevations.

The Crystal Lake Sediment Depth image shows the amount of sediment before the 1985

rehab was performed and then the amount of sediment 18 years after the rehab. The

measure in 2006 assumes a post-rehab 1985 measure of 0”.

One bold contour around the lake edge with the number “700” is the estimated low water

line.

December 12, 2014


December 12, 2014


Design Objectives:

Developmental Concerns:

The lake is extremely popular among members of the Urbana community, so construction

processes must fulfill community desires.

The lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, so tree removal and bank stabilization

must be completed in a manner that will not severely disrupt their ecosystem.

Sediment must be managed and addressed in order to improve water quality.

Existing Infrastructure Evaluation: Flooding consistently causes depth fluctuations, erosion issues, and water quality

concerns. These problems could be better managed with a shoreline stabilization plan

including acceptable and attractive native plant species.

The park currently contains five bridges that have been inspected in January of 2013 and

are up to code.

o Unwanted leakage and wetness is present on the underside of all bridges.

o Corrosion issues exist on the underside of certain bridges.

o Mineral deposits are present under the beams in certain bridges. (Crystal Lake

Park Bridge Inspections 1).

The inclusion of more trash cans would help diminish the amounts of littering.

Most fishing docks are currently unsafe and need to be rebuilt.

Public pathways lack quality lighting.

Current Issues and Conditions: Water Quality

Bank Erosion

Sediment Deposition

Overpopulation of Geese

Algae, Water meal, and Duck weed

Water Contaminants (i.e. Mercury)

Existing Erosion Control Methods are Ineffective

Lacking Adequate Public Pathways

Wildlife Management and Assessment: Promote a healthy environment for the wide variety of wildlife while minimizing

disturbances in the ecosystem.

Vision for Future: Biotic

o Removal of invasive plant species along shoreline

o Install a robust prairie buffer along shoreline including wildflowers

o Islands receive equal shoreline treatment with less tree removal to promote a good

bird habitat.

December 12, 2014


Invasive tree species will be removed and replaced with native trees and

shrubs

Physical

o Address and control soil erosion

o Evaluate and improve lake water quality

o Remove current tarp lining shoreline

Public Use

o Install limestone rock outcropping

o Include safe designated fishing areas

Off Broadway Avenue, remove and replace current areas

o Bridges: Inspected in 2013 (Crystal Lake Park Bridge Inspections 1)

Armored side of bridge with concrete

Utilize area around bridges with soft vegetation creating a natural aesthetic

and mimicking the lake’s shoreline rather than including rip rap, concrete,

and river rock.

Scope of Services: The Scope of Services anticipated for this project includes:

Analysis and Programming Evaluation: Analyze existing site conditions, opportunities, and limitations.

Review previous studies, plans, community input.

Determine adequacy and accuracy of records.

Evaluate programming needs and opportunities

(Bartlett 11).

Concept Design: Develop preliminary concept design alternatives with stakeholder input.

Develop design based estimations of operational costs and evaluation. These estimates

will include but are not limited to:

o Invasive plant species removal

o Shoreline reshaping and stabilization,

o Planting of native seed mix creating prairie buffer

o Planting of native trees/ shrubs

o Monitoring water quality

o Installing new, desirable pathways

o Update current fishing areas

Develop a preliminary capital replacement schedule and budget.

Develop total concept design project cost estimates for top design alternatives.

Develop final concept design and update total project budget estimates.

Update and finalize the Crystal Lake Park program statement reflective of final design

Develop final design materials as needed for referendum question.

(Bartlett 12)

December 12, 2014


Crystal Lake Park Master Plan Update: Update shoreline enhancements included in existing Master Plan.

Update Master Plan to reflect connectivity of pathways and access from previous site

plan.

Schedule:

February 25:

o RFQs available to interested firms

March 13:

o RFQ responses are due

March 17 & 18:

o Stakeholder open houses: Review RFQ responses and seek public input

March 2 – April 3:

o Review and rank RFQ submissions

April 17:

o Stakeholder meeting and interviews of top ranking RFQ submissions

April 22 – 29:

o Contract negotiations

May 13:

o Board of Commissioners contract recommendation

Selection Process:

Selection Committee:

Urbana Park District Staff and Stakeholders comprise the Selection Committee.

Selection Criteria: Relevant Project Experience

Experience with Lake restoration/ Rehabilitation and Water Quality Control

Environmentally Sensitive Design Experience

Expertise in Preparing Public Information Materials

Creativity and Community Specific Design Ability

History of Budget Performance

History of Schedule Adherence

References and Background Checks

Other Criteria as Determined by Committee

December 12, 2014


RFQ Evaluation Process:

RFQs will be evaluated and ranked by the selection committee based upon the above

criteria. The top two or three ranking teams/firms will be invited to interview with the

Selection Committee.

Interviews:

Interviews of top ranking teams/firms will be conducted on Wednesday March 18th

. At

this time, teams/firms will be expected to present and discuss relevant projects they have

worked on and completed. In addition, they will be required to present the plan they

would recommend using on preparing a concept design for the lake management and

shoreline restoration plan and to offer a general question and answer session with the

Selection Committee.

Interview personnel must include the same lead personnel identified for the project in the

RFQ submittal materials—the same personnel that will be assigned to the actual scope of

work. Interview personnel are generally expected to include principal-in-charge, project

manager, key design personnel, and any additional key sub-consultants. Interview teams

should include no more than 6 personnel (Bartlett 12).

Based upon the interviews, the Selection Committee will rank the teams for contract

negotiations based upon the RFQ submittals and the interview process. The Urbana Park

District will start negotiations with the top ranked team/firm, in an effort to obtain the

best value for the services required. If a successful contract cannot be negotiated with the

top ranking team/firm, the Park District will contact the next highest ranking

team(s)/firm(s) to negotiate a contract. Should the UPD not successfully negotiate a

satisfactory contract, the District reserves the right to postpone or cancel the project

(Bartlett 12).

Submission Materials:

Please provide 6 printed double sided copies with labeled tabs and one electronic copy with

actively linked table of contents (in lieu of labeled tabs) for the following.

Cover Letter (max 2 pgs):

Summary of qualifications, project team, ability to meet schedule, and contact

information (Bartlett 13)

History and Qualifications (max 8 pgs):

Background information and qualifications on all teams/firms participating on design

team/firm submitting. If a submitting team/firm has multiple offices, information should

pertain only to office(s) participating in project (Bartlett 13).

Personnel and Sub-consultants (max 8 pgs):

Identification and resumes with specific qualifications of lead personnel responsible for

proposed work. Identification of principal-in-charge, project manager, key

architects/engineers/designers, and key sub-consultants (Bartlett 13).

December 12, 2014


Relevant Projects (min 4 & max 6 projects, max 12 pgs):

Provide project summaries that describe projects most relevant to the UPD’s proposed

shoreline restoration and maintenance plan. Provide beginning and end dates for each

project (Bartlett 13).

Proposed Project Schedule:

Provide a proposed schedule from initiation of work to final concept design (Bartlett 13).

References (min 3 & max 6 names, with titles and contact information):

Provide references of clients for 3-4 most relevant projects (Bartlett 13).

Project Budget: Adequate funds are budgeted for concept design development. The completion of future

work, including final design and construction will be subject to project funding via

community referendum support (Bartlett 13).

Client Responsibilities: The client will provide any existing data, documents, or other information needed to

complete the scope of work (Bartlett 13).

Agreement: The work will be completed under a fixed fee professional services agreement with the

Urbana Park District. The agreement will be subject to review by District legal counsel

and Board of Commissioners approval (Bartlett 13).

Contact Information: Questions not addressed in the RFQ Information Package should be addressed to:

Derek Liebert, Superintendent of Planning and Operations

Urbana Park District

1011 E. Kerr Ave., Urbana, IL 61802

[email protected]

Work: (217)-344-9583

Fax: (217)-344-9585

Cell: (217)-417-1120

Justin Vitkus, Landscape & Environmental Studies Intern

[email protected]

Cell: (815)-739-3890

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Central Time



December 12, 2014


Acknowledgement of Interest Form

Please submit this completed form if you wish to receive updates and/or any addendums during the RFQ

preparation period.

FIRM NAME: ____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________ FAX:_________________________ CONTACT NAME: ____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT): ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________ FAX:_________________________ CONTACT EMAIL: ____________________________________________________________________

Please forward a completed copy of this form to Derek Liebert via any of the following:

Mail: 1011 E. Kerr Ave, Urbana, IL 61802 Email: [email protected] Work: (217)-344-9583

Fax: (217)-344-9585

Cell: (217)-417-1120


December 12, 2014


Works Cited

Appendix A-2. Illinois' 2014 303(d) List, (sorted by Water Name). Rep. Springfield: Illinois

Environmental Protection Agency, 2014. Print.

The IEPA’s updated 303 (d) list gives a detailed look at all impaired Illinois water bodies.

This list was obtained by me through the help of Scott Tess, Environmental Sustainability

Manager for the city of Urbana.

Bartlett, Tim. Request For Qualifications and Expression of Interest for Outdoor Aquatic

Facility Concept Planning Services. Rep. Urbana: Urbana Park District, 2010. Print.

Tim Bartlett, Executive Director of the Urbana Park District, drafted and proposed a

detailed Request for Qualifications in 2010 for the Crystal Lake Park Aquatic Center that

exists today. The Aquatic Center’s Request for Qualifications draft had many similar

components to my draft of the Lake Management Plan. My availability to access

previous “Request for Qualifications” documents as a park district employee allowed me

to understand and draft important components such as Scope of Services, Schedule,

Selection Process, and Submission Materials. Although most of these components are

specific to the Lake Management Plan, I referenced Bartlett on any bullets that his

Request for Qualifications Aquatic Center draft also included. Other components of my

draft were evaluated by the Urbana Park District’s Natural Areas Committee and their

suggestions were included in my updated final submission.

City of Urbana, Illinois Surface Water Quality Report November 2014. Rep. Urbana: Urbana

Park District, 2013. Print.

This report was forwarded to me by Derek Liebert, originally sent by Mike Gartaus,

District Fisheries Biologist. The report contains summarized results from the IDNR and

IEPA.

Crystal Lake Park Bridge Inspections. Rep. Champaign: Engineering Resource Associates, 2013.

Print.

The bridge inspection was conducted by a structural engineer in 2013 and accounted for

bridges at every park within the Urbana Park District.

Gibble, Daniel, Karen L. Kummer, Dana Mancuso, William Smith, Anke Voss, and George

Willhite. A Century of Growth. Urbana: Urbana Park District, 2007. Print.

“A Century of Growth” has extremely helpful facts and history about the Urbana Park

District and was given to me on my first day of work. The book contains summaries

about every park within the Urbana Park District.

December 12, 2014


Nemeth, Andrew F., Devon A. Ward, and Walter G. Woodington. The Effect of Asphalt

Pavement on Stormwater Contamination. Rep. no. IQP-PPM-0906. Worcester: Worcester

Polytechnic Institute, 2010. Print.

“The Effect of Asphalt Pavement on Stormwater Contamination” is an online report that

was discovered after Derek Liebert instructed me to do some more research on possible

contaminants in Crystal Lake.

CLP RFQ Draft ESE 401 Draft

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