Agenda Item: 10
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: April 14, 2026
SUBJECT: NEWHALL COMMUNITY CENTER PLAYGROUND RENOVATION P2027-DESIGN CONTRACT
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Susan Nelson
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Award a design contract to Architerra Design Group, for design services for the Newhall Community Center Playground Renovation Project, in the amount of $74,720 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $7,472 for a total contract amount not to exceed $82,192.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
In 2004, the City of Santa Clarita (City) constructed the Newhall Community Center (NCC) to serve the Newhall community. At the time of construction, programming and community center activities were designed primarily for teenagers, including the playground on-site. The key components of the playground consist of a climbing apparatus with spinning seats, climbing walls and ropes, an inclined balance beam, an overhead track glide, and three sand pits. In 2012, a shade structure was installed over the play area, and in 2016, the rubberized play surfacing was replaced.
Since 2004, the programming and activity needs of the community center have significantly changed, transitioning from primarily teenage users to school-aged children ages 5 to 12. While NCC continues to serve teenagers, the vast majority of programming and services have shifted to evolve with the needs of the community. However, the existing playground equipment remains largely unchanged and is no longer age-appropriate.
Supporting the theme of Sustainable Public Infrastructure in Santa Clarita Pathway Forward, the City’s five-year strategic plan, the proposed contract will provide design services for a new playground, which will maximize the use of the existing space and provide an equipment layout appropriate for children ages 5 to 12 years old. The new equipment is expected to have a variety of play panels, musical elements, and inclusive components, as well as slides, elevated platforms, and climbing equipment.
The scope of work for this design contract includes concept design, community outreach meetings, playground equipment design, engineering, and landscape design services required to prepare construction documents. These documents will consist of complete plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimates for construction. The design process is expected to have a duration of approximately six months. Construction is anticipated in spring of 2027.
In February 2026, the City released a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting interested firms to submit proposals for the design of the new playground at the NCC. The RFP solicited firms to identify their relevant experience on similar projects, provide evidence of qualifications, and demonstrate their approach for this design project. The City transmitted the solicitation to 4,434 vendors on BidNet, of which 110 vendors downloaded the materials. A total of four proposals were submitted and opened on March 9, 2026.
The four proposals were evaluated by a panel of City staff who ranked each proposal based on the following:
• The content, format, and completeness of the written proposal, quality and professionalism of the proposal: 25 points
• Demonstrated understanding of the described project and scope of work, submitted design concept and recommendations for the Newhall Community Center playground:
25 points
• Consultant and subconsultant experience on similar projects (including detailed portfolio of examples), as well as perceived technical competence and creative ability:
25 points.
• Total cost of services and overall best value to the City: 25 points
The evaluation team scored the responses based on a 100-point system, with the results outlined below:
Rank Company Location Score
1 Architerra Design Group Rancho Cucamonga, CA 96.67
2 Hirsch & Associates, Inc. Anaheim, CA 93.67
3 Studio 2nd Street, Inc. Los Osos, CA 93
4 Kimley-Horn Orange, CA 92
In reviewing proposals, the evaluation team awarded the highest score to Architerra Design Group (ADG). The evaluation team determined that ADG’s proposal offered the best overall value to meet the playground design needs.
Staff has completed a due diligence review of ADG’s professional references and determined its work history meets the City’s standards and performance expectations. Architect Design Group possesses over 35 years of experience providing landscape architectural design services to public agencies, specializing in park retrofit projects. Based on the above, staff recommends awarding the contract to ADG. The proposal is available in the City Clerk’s reading file.
California Government Code 4526 prescribes the selection of architectural and engineering services to be based on demonstrated competence and professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required and does not authorize the selection of professional architect and engineering services based on cost. City staff was able to reach an agreement with ADG at a fair and reasonable price.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The resources required to support the recommended actions are available in project expenditure account P3038601-516101.
ATTACHMENTS
ADG Proposal (available in the City Clerk's reading file)