ATTACHMENT C
Selected Consultant
Michael Baker International is an Ontario, California-based planning and landscape architecture firm with extensive experience in parks master planning, community engagement, and recreation needs assessment for California cities and counties. Comparable projects include:
Yorba Linda | Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
Surprise, Arizona | Parks and Recreation Element Update Bonsall, Ca | Community Master Plan.
Seal Beach, Ca | Open Space, Recreation, and Conservation Elements Fullerton, Ca | Open Space and Conservation Element
The firm's proposed approach emphasizes robust, multilingual community outreach — including surveys, community workshops, pop-up events, and stakeholder focus groups — to ensure the final Parks Master Plan authentically reflects the full diversity of Rialto's community. The assigned team of 15 will work with the City of Rialto Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.
Their methodology also integrates a grant readiness framework specifically designed to align plan deliverables with the eligibility and scoring criteria of key California and federal funding programs, including Proposition 68, the Statewide Park Program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and Proposition 4.
Scope of Work
The selected consultant will deliver a extensive Parks Master Plan through the following key tasks:
Project initiation, stakeholder coordination, and data collection Inventory and assessment of existing parks, facilities, trails, and open spaces Level-of-service and gap analysis
Community engagement: resident surveys, public workshops, stakeholder focus groups, and online engagement tools Park classification standards and service area mapping
Development of goals, objectives, priorities, and policy recommendations Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and phased implementation plan Grant funding strategy and action plan
Final Parks Master Plan document in print-ready and digital formats Public presentations to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council The scope of service will render a Parks Master Plan roadmap, to include the following:
Existing Conditions Inventory: Parks and Facilities Assessment Review GIS Data and Existing Base Plans
Desktop studies and peer City Comparisons
Recent changes and City input
Field Visits
Review Parks, Open Spaces, Trails, Facilities
Planning level condition
Functionality and accessibility
Relationship to surrounding park spaces
Facility Report Card assessing:
Variety and condition of amenities; whether facilities meet community needs; and whether amenities are appropriately distributed across service areas Park Inventory: Identify service gaps and unmet needs
Needs Assessment and Community Engagement
Community Outreach Strategy
Branding
Workshops (Community, City, & City Council)
Community Surveys (in person distribution and mailed)
Focus Group Outreach (Seniors & Youth)
Community Feedback Analysis
Spanish Translation
Realistic Implementation Plan
Phasing Recommendations
Responsible Parties
Planning level costs
Funding mechanisms and policies
Performance metrics and progress tracking framework
Conceptual Recommendations
Activity zones and open space
Relationships between buildings, outdoor spaces, and circulation Pedestrian access and connectivity
Usability and safety
Final Plan
Two meetings with Parks and Recreation Commission
Two City Council Meetings
The project is anticipated to be completed within approximately 12–18 months from execution of the agreement. Key milestones include an existing conditions report, a community engagement summary, and a draft plan for public review prior to adoption.
Timeline Breakdown (Note: Components will be occurring simultaneously and/or with overlap):
Phase 1: Months 1–4: Project Kickoff, Data Collection, and Existing Conditions Analysis Phase 2: Months 3–8: Community Engagement (surveys, workshops, and focus groups) Phase 3: Months 5–11: Comprehensive Needs Assessment
Phase 4: Months 7–11: Implementation and Funding Strategy Development Phase 5: Months 9–18: Plan Finalization, Documentation, and Adoption Process Grant Funding Opportunities and Strategic Timing
Proposition 4 (SPP – Round 5)
Up to 100% project funding; awards often exceed $7M
Targets underserved communities; Rialto qualifies
Parks Master Plan is a key scoring requirement
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Up to $6M per project (next cycle 2026–27)
Requires a parks plan and needs assessment
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP)
$500K–$2M grants for underserved urban areas
Requires 1:1 match; strengthened by Master Plan
Development Impact Fees
Enables collection of developer fees for parks
Requires adopted plan with level-of-service standards
Overall Impact
Positions Rialto to pursue $5M–$15M in external funding Significant return on investment
Lastly, the Parks Master Plan positions the Department to pursue accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, administered by the National Recreation and Park Association. The planning process will help establish and document many of the foundational elements required for accreditation, including clearly defined levels of service, comprehensive policy development, measurable performance standards, and ongoing evaluation practices.
By aligning operations, programs, and facilities with nationally recognized best practices, the Master Plan creates a structured roadmap for continuous improvement, accountability, and transparency. Pursuing accreditation not only strengthens internal processes and service delivery but also demonstrates the City’s commitment to excellence in parks and recreation, enhancing credibility with residents, stakeholders, and funding agencies.
Note: Currently in California there are only a few agencies that hold the prestigious NAPRA Accreditation: County of San Diego Parks and Recreation, City of Carlsbad, Riverside County, Jurupa Community Services District and the most recent City of Roseville Parks, Recreation & Libraries. . We could be one of the first cities in San Bernardino County to achieve the accreditation.