DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Quinn Evans Architects, Inc. For Spring Lake Park Reserve Cultural Landscape Management Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a contract with Quinn Evans Architects, Inc. (Quinn Evans) for the Spring Lake Park Reserve (SLPR) Cultural Landscape Management Plan.
SUMMARY
In 2024, the Dakota County Parks Department was awarded a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) grant for the Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration and River Access project, which includes $450,000 for a Cultural Landscape Management Plan for SLPR. The plan will build on cultural resource recommendations in the 2021 SLPR Master Plan. The Cultural Landscape Management Plan will address three intertwined areas:
1. Stewardship of Indigenous sites within SLPR
2. Recommendations for culturally appropriate restoration and management of the natural landscape
3. Strategies to strengthen relationships between living Indigenous communities and the park’s cultural landscape
Dakota County’s request for proposals received four responses on April 21, 2026, which included firms with cultural and natural resource management expertise:
Firm Proposal Fee
Quinn Evans $293,111
Full Circle Indigenous Planning and Design, LLC $299,840
Tetra Tech, Inc. $299,878
Grey and Pape, Inc. $300,000
The two teams with the top-ranking proposals, Quinn Evans and Full Circle Indigenous Planning and Design, LLC, were interviewed on Friday May 8, 2026. After interviews, the Quinn Evans proposal was ranked highest by the staff selection committee based on team qualifications and innovative project approach. The Proposal Evaluation Summary attachment includes details about the selection process.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the selection of Quinn Evans for the SLPR Cultural Landscape Management Plan.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACT
The contract will be based on a not to exceed amount of $293,111. The adopted 2026 Parks Capital Improvement Program Budget includes $450,000 for the Cultural Landscape Management Plan, which is included in the larger Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration and River Access Project.
Project Numbers 2000410, 2000495, 2000592, and 2000664 Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration and River Access.
|
Funding Source |
Total Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Outdoor Heritage Fund ML22 |
$341,606 |
$0 |
|
2023 Environment and Natural Resources Finance Bill for Boat Launch |
$400,000 |
$328,605 |
|
ML24 LCCMR Grant |
$2,925,000 |
$1,934,564 |
|
Parks and Trails Legacy Fund |
$2,077,230 |
$1,977,766 |
|
County Grant Match (Environmental Legacy Fund) |
$400,000 |
$400,000 |
|
Total |
$6,143,836 |
$4,640,935 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, in 2024, the Dakota County Parks Department was awarded a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources grant for the Spring Lake Park Reserve (SLPR) Restoration and River Access project, which includes $450,000 for a Cultural Landscape Management Plan for SLPR; and
WHEREAS, the plan will build on cultural resource recommendations in the 2021 SLPR Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Landscape Management Plan will address stewardship of Indigenous sites, recommendations for culturally appropriate restoration and management of the natural landscape, and strategies to strengthen relationships between living Indigenous communities and the park’s cultural landscape; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s request for proposals received four responses on April 21, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Quinn Evans Architects, Inc. (Quinn Evans) and Full Circle Indigenous Planning and Design, LLC were interviewed on Friday, May 8, 2026; and
WHEREAS, after interviews, the Quinn Evans proposal was ranked highest by the staff selection committee based on team qualifications and innovative project approach; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Adopted Parks Capital Improvement Program Budget includes $450,000 for the effort; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends selection of Quinn Evans for the SLPR Cultural Landscape Management Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Assistant County Manager: Physical Development to execute a contract with Quinn Evans to develop the Spring Lake Park Reserve Cultural Landscape Management Plan, in an amount not to exceed $293,111, including reimbursable expenses, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Proposal Evaluation Summary
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Lillian Leatham