Request for Proposal:
Art Along the Way Sculpture Area
Sensory Garden Playground Project
Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2015
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org
Sensory Garden Playground Overview
The Sensory Garden Playground is a project of the Play For All Playground & Garden
Foundation. It is a four phase project that embraces universal accessibility and the spirit of
inclusion. Located south of Wheaton in Danada South Park near the intersection of Warrenville
and Naperville Roads, the Sensory Garden Playground offers the benefits of play and nature for
all visitors. The Sensory Garden Playground project is a free of charge public facility funded
through a mix of grant awards, public and private donations, as well as limited local tax support
for the construction and maintenance of the facility.
The strategically designed Sensory Garden Playground incorporates multiple play areas, exercise
spaces, and gardening opportunities for public enrichment and enjoyment. The facility
incorporates an equestrian theme. This reflects the heritage of the land once owned by Dan and
Ada Rice, philanthropists who raised their prize winning thoroughbred horse. The Sensory
Garden Playground is being developed in four phases and includes, but is not limited to the
following:
Phase I: Pony Stables Playground (2-5 years old)
 Paved Walking Paths
Accessible Playground Space Geared for Children 2-5 Years Old, Includes Ground Level
Play Areas, Raised Playground Spaces, Cozy Dome, and Specialized Swings
 Central Gathering Area with Mare & Foal Climbing Structure
Shaded Space with Benches for Families to Gather
 Sound Garden
Large Chimes, Drums, and Bells
 Fragrance Garden
Containers, Raised Planter Beds, and Textured Labyrinth Space
 Art Along the Way
Five Art Sculptures Located Near the Entrance to the Facility and Leading into the Park
Site
Phase II: Horse Farm Playground (5-12 years old)
Accessible Playground Space Designed for Children 5-12 Years Old, Includes Ground
Level and Raised Playground Spaces with Multiple Slides and Climbing Components
 Additional Age-Appropriate and Accessible Swings
High-back Swings for Older Children and Adults
Phase III: Adventurescape
 Boulder Climb Area
Ropes and Rock Climbing Area
Phase IV
 Accessible Tree House
 Sensory Integrated Multi-Purpose Sports Field
 Water Play Area
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org
Sensory Garden Playground Phasing & Art Along the Way Budget
Phase I has been completely funded and the grand opening of the areas included as part of this
phase are scheduled to be open in Spring 2015. Additional phases will be developed as funding
is secured.
The Art Along the Way component will be constructed in accordance to the timeline defined in
this document and meets the mission of the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation. The
total budget for the Art Along the Way is $50,000 for a minimum of three and a maximum of
five sculptures. Donated sculptures will receive an official tax letter from the Play For All
Playground & Garden Foundation and receive applicable donor benefits.
Five percent (5%) of all awarded design(s) will be retained for a period of one year to cover any
unanticipated repairs due to flaws in construction. After one year, the work will be evaluated and
the remaining funds will be released to the artist(s).
The Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation’s Mission Statement
The Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation’s mission is to create barrier-free and
universally accessible outdoor play spaces and gardens in DuPage County. Through the
cognitive, social, and physical values of play, the Foundation will promote a spirt of inclusion,
enhance the quality of life, as well as support involvement in recreation and wellness activities
for all people and abilities.
The Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, the tax
identification number is: 46-3862874
Purpose of Art Along the Way
Art Along the Way is a component of the Sensory Garden Playground that will encourage
appreciation for art and recreation/play, inspire a spirit of inclusion and imagination for all ages
and abilities, as well as foster a welcoming and playful entrance environment for visitors to
engage with during their visit. Artwork shall introduce children to fine art through safe,
accessible, and interactive elements. A minimum of three and a maximum of five sculptures will
be placed near the facility’s entrance path (see exhibit A: Map).
Artist & Sculpture Eligibility
Artists
Professional sculptures, artists, landscape architects, architects, and art schools are invited
to submit a proposal. Students and novices may submit a proposal but must meet all of
the requirements outlined in this document.
Insurance
Proposals must include a Certificate of Insurance naming the Play For All Playground &
Garden Foundation, Wheaton Park District, and The Forest Preserve District of DuPage
County as additional insured. COI’s must be $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Installation
Artist(s) is/are responsible for the transportation/delivery and installation of the sculpture.
Artist(s) is/are responsible for all costs related to the transportation/delivery and
installation of the sculpture including anchoring the art piece for safety in accordance
with local, state, and national playground standards.
Materials
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org
Artist(s) must utilize materials suitable for outdoor environment. They must be durable,
safe for public, stable for mounting and include an interactive capability for varying skills and
ability levels. Sculpture(s) must meet ADA guidelines.
Accessibility/Interactive Design
Please view requirements at www.ada.gov.
Theme
All sculptures are to embrace a spirt of inclusion and imagination as well as be familyfriendly.
Playground Safety Requirements
Artist should review the child safety guidelines in the Public Playground Handbook
found on the resource page at http://www.nrpa.org/CPSI. The artwork cannot interfere
with the movement, safety, and security of visitors, park maintenance staff, or
safety/emergency personnel.
Selection & Installation Process
• Originality
• Artistic merit
• Ability to inspire play
• Compliance with national playground safety standards and guidelines (playgroundsafety.org)
• Appropriate to the site and its environment
• Appropriate to the mission of Play for All Playground & Garden foundation
• Permanence and durability of structure and surface components
• Artist’s qualifications as demonstrated by past works, references and statement of interest
• Design and installation cost proposal (within budget allotment up to $50,000 for a minimum of
3 and a maximum of 5 pieces)
Timeline
The following is the timeline for the Play Along the Way project and is subject to change at the
discretion of the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation:
March 10
March 10 – May 15
May 15
May 15-20
May 20
May 20-25
May 25 – October 1
October 5
October 15
October 1, 2016
Request For Proposal Distributed
Proposals Accepted
Deadline for Proposals
Review of Proposals by Selection Committee
Announcement of Final Selection(s)
Execution of Contract with Final Selected Artist(s) to
include a pre-Construction Meeting with Artist(s)
Installment of Sculptures by Artist(s) with Committee
Site Inspection by Committee and final payment to artist(s)
Grand Opening of Art Along the Way
Release of 5% retainer to Artist(s)
Art Along the Way Proposal Requirements
All proposals are to be submitted/postmarked by midnight (CST) on May 15, 2015
Proposals received after this date will not be considered. Proposals that are being mailed or
dropped off are to be submitted on a disk or flash drive.
Email
[email protected].
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org
Mail
ATTN: Margie Wilhelmi
Sensory Garden Playground Art Along the Way Committee
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Walk-in (8:30am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri Only)
ATTN: Margie Wilhelmi
Sensory Garden Playground Art Along the Way Committee
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187
In order to be considered for review, proposals must include the following elements:
 Completed Application
 Artist’s Resume
 Artist’s Statement/Cover Letter
 I-9 Form
 Proposal
o Sculpture Description Emphasizing the Following Elements
 Accessibility, Sensory Integrated Play Components, ADA & Safety
Standards
 Color & Material Selection
 Fabrication Process
o Conceptual Designs - # of Images
o Itemized Budget (Please include all expected expenses including materials, labor,
installation, delivery, insurance, consulting fees, etc.)
o Timeline
o Maintenance Instructions
o Site Preparation & Anchoring Requirements
 Photos of Three Prior Sculptures
 Certificate of Insurance Naming the Following as Additional Insured:
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Wheaton Park District
102 Wesley Street, Wheaton, Illinois 60187
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, Illinois 60189
Questions, Site Visit, Sculpture Site Map & Contacts
Proposal Questions– Rob Sperl, 630.510.4975 or [email protected]
Proposal Submittals – See Above
Site Visits – Displayed in this RFP is a site map, showing the location for the desired sculptures.
The site is open to the public and available to visit between sunrise and sunset.
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
Art Along the Way Artist Application
By submitting a proposal or proposals, the artist/team gives the Play For All Playground &
Garden Foundation permission to use, reproduce content and images from the proposal for
purposes of documentation and marketing of project activities in newsletters, brochures,
websites, social media, and other publications and media as decided.
The Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation reserves the right to cancel this request for
proposals at any time, to elect not to award the work listed, to reject any or all of the responses,
to waive any informality or irregularity in any response received, and is the sole judge of the
merits of the respective responses received. The Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation
reserves the right to award any task or portion of this work to separate proposers.
Company /Organization Name
First Name
Last Name
Address
City , State, Zip Code
Mobile Telephone
Email
Website
Facebook
Sculpture Name
Proposed Budget
Sculpture Name
Proposed Budget
Sculpture Name
Proposed Budget
Sculpture Name
Proposed Budget
Sculpture Name
Proposed Budget
Describe the materials y ou will be utilizing in the sculptures? And, how sculpture(s) will be anchored
Describe Your Experience Working in Public Art
Describe Your Experience Working with Visitors Living with Autism or Other Special Needs
In 150 Words or Less, Describe Your Sculpture Concept(s) (utilize a separate sheet of paper if needed)
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org
Reference 1 Name/Relationship
Reference 1 Address, Telephone, Email
Reference 2 Name/Relationship
Reference 2 Address, Telephone, Email
Reference 3 Name/Relationship
Reference 3 Address, Telephone, Email
Acknowledgement Statement
Signature
Date
Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
855 W. Prairie Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 ● 630-510-4986 ● www.dupagesensoryplay.org