Title
Resolution Determining Commercial Recreation Specialists to be the Only Source Practicably Available from Which to Procure a Wibit Water Park and Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Purchase Contract with Commercial Recreation Specialists as “Sole Source”
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Buckroe Beach Park is the City of Hampton’s primary public beach access. In order to offer diverse recreation opportunities and programs to the public, the City of Hampton seeks quality features for the waterfront. Wibit water parks are commercial quality floating water parks designed for open water recreational use to be placed on lakes, bays, and oceans. A Wibit inflatable water park offers an opportunity to experience the water in a new way to both Hampton, and the larger Hampton Roads community, and extol that, “We are Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation to create an even more dynamic future.”
Discussion:
Wibit water parks were introduced to the market in 1996 and have a history of quality craftsmanship. In keeping with the City’s placemaking efforts, investment in the Wibit water park will add activity to the Buckroe Beach Park, helping to create a unique, authentic attraction, which has been absent from Buckroe Beach since the removal of the Buckroe Amusement Park in the 1980s. This attraction will bring beachgoers who may otherwise choose an alternate location, as well as provide those who already choose Buckroe Beach with a new adventure.
Wibit water parks are customizable in size and form, may be removed from the water during the off-season, require moderate storage space, and have a proven return on investment.
Impact:
The Wibit water park will be purchased through Strategic Priority Project funding for water sports. The water park will generate revenue by charging a user fee for participation. Over the lifespan of the product, it is anticipated the water park will net approximately $300,000 in user fees.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve Resolution
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton seeks to create opportunities for recreation and access to the water within the City of Hampton;
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton serves approximately 180,000 beachgoers per summer at Buckroe Beach;
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton seeks to provide residents of Hampton and visitors with unique recreational opportunities not accessible in the surrounding localities;
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton strives to provide these opportunities without increasing the tax burden and the Wibit inflatible water park is an economically proven model; and
WHEREAS, Commercial Recreation Specialists is the only source practicably available from which the City of Hampton may procure a Wibit water park;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA:
1. That the contract to procure a Wibit water park may be negotiated and awarded to Commercial Recreation Specialists as a “sole source” without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negation, as set forth in Code of Virginia §2.2-4303(E);
2. That the City Manager or her authorized designee is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a purchase contract with Commercial Recreation Specialists; and
3. That the notice awarding the contract to Commercial Recreation Specialists shall be posted in a public place pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E