The City of Ridgefield is seeking a qualified firm to provide pre-opening services and long-term operations and management services for the future Ridgefield Community and Recreation Center. The selected operator will be responsible for pre-opening planning and mobilization, followed by long-term facility operations, programming, customer service, aquatics management, routine maintenance, and financial performance. The City intends to establish a long-term operating agreement that supports operational flexibility, financial sustainability, community access, and alignment with the City's values and service expectations. Key responsibilities include staffing and workforce management, aquatics operations and safety, financial management and operational sustainability, technology, data, and systems administration, marketing, branding, and community partnerships, risk management, compliance, and safety.
• The facility will include a six-lane competition pool, a zero-entry leisure pool, sauna and locker room facilities, a full-size gymnasium, fitness and wellness spaces, community and multipurpose rooms, a teaching kitchen, childcare facilities, recreation programming and event spaces, and customer service and administrative support spaces.
• The City expects the selected operator to recognize the Center as a long-term community asset that supports wellness, recreation access, youth development, and civic identity.
• The City requires the operator to develop and maintain programs that promote facility affordability, equity participation, and broad community benefit.
• The selected operator shall provide regular operational reporting and performance evaluation information to the City.