Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 1/22/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 7B7
ACTION: Award a professional services contract to Holly Street Studio, LLC, for Project No. 6309901C 
– Design Concept – Rio Salado North Activity Zones.
FISCAL IMPACT: The contract amount is $385,065. Funds to cover this contract and related 
expenses are appropriated in Fiscal Year 2025/26 and future years, contingent upon City Council 
approval of the City’s annual budget, in the Capital Improvement Project No. 6309901C (Design Concept 
– Rio Salado North Activity Zones).
RECOMMENDATION:  Award contract
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Rio Salado and Beach Park Master Plan represent the future 
development and improvement of Tempe’s Rio Salado Parks, which includes over 135 acres of 
developed and undeveloped park and open space. The plan is a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap 
for public and private development surrounding Tempe Town Lake (TTL) for the next 20-30 years, 
fulfilling Tempe’s vision for the Rio Salado as a grand public amenity and point of pride for the 
community. The plan identified ten distinct activity zones with possible elements and uses to guide future 
development, aligned with the principles of public ownership, connectivity, shade, opportunity and 
sustainability.
This conceptual planning and preliminary design effort is for three of the ten activity zones, all located 
on the north side of TTL: 
•
Recreation/Adventure
•
Entertainment North Shore
•
Athletics
Scope of Work: 
•
Develop alternative concept plans
•
Identify and incorporate modern and innovative park planning and development trends
•
Conduct parking needs calculations and a Level 1 Transportation Impact Study
•
Incorporate Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan recommendations.
•
Provide preliminary approaches to integrate public art 
•
Propose a construction phasing plan
•
Include cost estimating at the conceptual and preliminary design stages
•
Develop preliminary designs of preferred concept plans 
•
Research, identify and recommend potential funding options and opportunities
ATTACHMENTS:    
1. 6309901C-CON-HOLLY STREET STUDIO-DESIGN CONCEPT - RIO SALADO NORTH ACTIVITY 
ZONES.PDF
STAFF CONTACT(S):  
Jodie Inman, P.E., Deputy Public Works Director - Engineering, (480)-
350-2972; Craig Hayton, Community Services Director, (480)-350-5234
Department Director:  Tara Ford, Public Works Director

2
Legal review by:  Dave Park, Sr. Assistant City Attorney
Prepared by:  Decima Sever, Administrative Manager