The City is seeking a qualified playground manufacturer and builder to design and install a new playground to replace the existing structure at Cambier Park, located at 755 8th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102. This project will replace an aging wooden playground structure that was installed in the mid-1990s as part of a community-built initiative. The existing playground has served the community for many years and holds significant sentimental value for those involved in its original construction, as well as for the many residents and visitors who have created lasting memories there. The City has been working on this project for an extended period and has undertaken a comprehensive public engagement process to help determine the best path forward. As a result, the City determined that issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit multiple design concepts and proposals was the most appropriate approach. Feedback and input gathered through the public engagement process were used to develop the scope of work outlined in this RFP. The current status of the existing playground is that approximately 90 percent of the structure has been removed due to its poor condition, which resulted in significant safety concerns. Because the replacement project was funded in the FY 2025–2026 Capital Improvement Plan, the City determined that proceeding with removal was in its best interest, as repair at that stage would have effectively required a full rebuild. At this time, the playground area still includes swing structures in both sections, shade structures, a climber, and monkey bar towers. In addition, the fencing remains in place, and playground cushioning has been installed to allow continued use of the area until construction begins. The selected contractor will be responsible for removing all remaining playground structures and fencing as part of this project. The new playground design shall be inclusive. The city is not seeking a 100 percent accessible playground; rather, the goal is to provide a playground that challenges and engages children of all ages and abilities through a combination of adaptive elements such as adaptive swings, spinners, and similar components alongside traditional play equipment. The design should incorporate features that promote sensory stimulation, social interaction, physical activity, and, most importantly, imagination. Upon completion, the playground should encourage imaginative play while still providing essential and diverse play features. Independent play components should be considered just as important as group play elements. The ideal design will reflect a treehouse and nature-inspired theme, with the incorporation of select aquatic-themed elements (e.g., pirate ship motifs, creek visuals, ocean-life imagery). The three themes identified above represent the top themes selected by the community during the public engagement process. The Treehouse Theme and Nature Theme were tied as the highest-ranked themes, with the Aquatic Theme ranked immediately thereafter.
