Interpretive Planning, Historical Research, and Content Development Services

The Vendor is required to provide interpretive planning, historical research, and content development services for include:
- Existing conditions and historical inventory
• Conduct a literature review, archival research, and field reconnaissance.
• Document site use across the designated historic periods.
• Compile and review relevant city plans (comprehensive park system master plan, strategic plans, comprehensive plan, historic preservation plan, Fairview park development and management plan).
• Develop an overview in collaboration with tribal partners.
• Create an interpretive database of all assets, references, oral histories, and materials.
• Identify and map remnants of historic structures (retaining walls, foundation depressions, saved bricks, etc.).
• Coordinate with SWCA environmental consultants regarding archaeological requirements.
- Interpretive plan framework development
• Develop a significance statement to define overall management and program goals, identifying both opportunities and challenges.
• Identify project team, including subject matter experts, partners, stakeholders, affiliated interest groups and community members (city staff to support stakeholder identification).
• Develop a public engagement plan:
o Present accessible historical overviews to the public.
o Coordinate with the city and design consultant on outreach materials and scheduling.
o Work with tribal liaisons; provide questions in advance and allow for extended timelines for response.
o Collect oral histories from willing participants, including former residents, staff, tribal members, and community historians.
o Use trauma-informed methods and acknowledge the sensitive nature of the site’s history.
• Establish primary and secondary interpretive themes for site assets, including tangible, intangible and universal concepts that collectively define their significance.
o Theme locations within the interpretive space and park
o Levels of information (introductory, in-depth, multi-sensory)
o Media types (signage, audio, tactile, digital)
• Identify and assess target audiences.
• Develop visitor experience objectives.
• Create the implementation plan:
o Develop strategies to share stories, along with ways to map and communicate themes.
o Consider incorporating interchangeable or rotating signage to encourage repeat visits and engagement across a broad audience base.
o Explore options for community-adopted interpretive stations, noting long-term management considerations.
o Reference examples from comparable outdoor public spaces, preferably from federal, local, and state parks.
- Implementation and evaluation of the interpretive plan
• Develop a map of interpretive elements, including signage, audio stations, markers, and alternative pathways.
• Signage package recommendations, including materials, durability, ant vandalism strategies, opportunities for rotation of posted displays, and vendor specifications.
• Recommend digital media (audio tours, QR codes, web content).
• Fabrication-ready files (pdf or equivalent) of graphic design and interpretive media development for inclusion in the construction bid package.
• Develop a testing and evaluation method prior to park opening.
• Consider an additive alternate for including interpretive markers throughout the park grounds.
• Ensure all interpretive elements meet accessibility and inclusivity standards; reference state parks and recreation department’s accessibility design guidelines for all future projects.