Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

May 29, 2018

Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

Requests for Proposals out for Local State Parks

Artpark, Ft. Niagara and Joseph Davis State Park seeking private partners

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced today that three requests for proposals (RFPs) have been released to solicit private development partners at Artpark, Ft. Niagara and Joseph Davis State Parks.

The three parks -all located along the Niagara River-- present an opportunity to create a recreational corridor that would enhance tourism opportunities by increasing recreational offerings. Activities such as outfitting and orienting visitors for hiking, cycling, birding, fishing, and similar outdoor recreation pursuits and supporting recreational facilities are all viable options for prospective bidders to consider. Respondents may also propose portable, mobile, seasonal, or other temporary concessions and facilities that offer other recreation activities in the Park.

• Artpark State Park (RFP X001325) invites proposals that may reflect a potentially wide range of private investment, including new capital projects, such as cabin development, zip lines, and ropes challenge courses.
• Joseph Davis State Park (RFP X001324) identifies multiple sites within the park for new capital investment projects that may accommodate cabin development, zip lines, ropes courses, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Additionally, the current boat launch/fishing dock could be a base for enhanced or improved water-based activities.
• Ft. Niagara State Park (RFP X001323) identifies areas that could accommodate appropriately scaled cabin development and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Additionally, the current boat launch/fishing dock could be a base for enhanced or improved water-based outdoor recreation activities, and this RFP includes adaptive reuse consideration for multiple structures as well.

For more information or to receive a copy of the RFPs please contact State Parks' Concessions Management Bureau at concessions@parks.ny.gov or 518.486.2932.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP.