NEWS: Consultants for James City Parks & Rec Master Plan Selected
Comprehensive planning effort will assess facilities, gather public input, and guide future investments
James City County has selected national consulting firm Berry Dunn to develop a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan that will serve as a roadmap for the next decade. The plan will help guide the County’s decisions regarding development, programming, and maintenance of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, including parks and community centers.
The County’s last Master Plan update was completed in 2017. The new plan will ensure local efforts stay aligned with national accreditation standards, current community needs, population growth, and long-term goals.
Berry Dunn, a nationally recognized firm with deep experience in public sector consulting, will assist the planning process. The project scope includes evaluating current conditions, identifying future needs, and developing an implementation strategy tied to priorities, funding, and long-term maintenance. The plan will also incorporate equity, sustainability, and historical and cultural preservation as central themes.
Community outreach is a key element of the planning process. Berry Dunn will conduct public surveys, host workshops, and facilitate stakeholder meetings to ensure diverse voices are heard, particularly from historically underrepresented groups. The firm will also compare James City County’s services with peer communities to identify best practices and gaps in service.
Recommendations will be supported by data and include updates to facilities, new programs, and policy changes. An updated Capital Improvement Plan with phased cost estimates, maintenance schedules, and potential funding sources will be a required deliverable. The plan will be presented to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission and the Board of Supervisors upon completion.
The contract award followed a detailed evaluation process based on proposal quality, project understanding, experience, cost, and public engagement strategies. The RFP process was managed through an online competitive procurement platform called DemandStar. The company claims their online procurement system allowes allows governments to reach a wide pool of qualified firms and streamline their bid review processes.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor produced this post with AI and these sources:
Request for Proposal No. 20250777 for Parks and Recreation 2026 Master Plan
Notice of Award No. 20250777 for Parks and Recreation 2026 Master Plan
https://www.berrydunn.com/about
https://www.berrydunn.com/services/comprehensive-planning
https://network.demandstar.com/