Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is taking another step in implementing the recommendations of the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative by issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to study youth sports opportunities. The RFP was issued today and seeks proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a thorough Youth Sports Community Assessment and Market Potential Study.
“The end goal is to build Fort Wayne into a regional and national destination for youth sports,” said Mayor Henry. “This will boost our economy, as well as provide more sporting opportunities for our local youth.”
The City’s Parks and Recreation and Planning and Policy departments will work together to ensure the successful development of the study. Proposals are due March 21 and selection of the consultant is expected to take place in mid-April. It’s anticipated the study will take up to six months to complete.
The community assessment will include an inventory of all existing public and private sports facilities, an evaluation of community needs, and an analysis of current youth sports marketing efforts. The market potential aspect of the study will evaluate national and regional youth/prep sports trends and markets, as well as possible opportunities for Fort Wayne. It will also include recommendations for future sports facility needs and ways to expand existing sports marketing efforts.
“Our Legacy Task Force examined hundreds of recommendations from citizens,” said Mayor Henry. “We expected suggestions about downtown and riverfront development, but never imagined there would be so much enthusiasm for youth sports. I’m excited to see the community’s vision take shape.”
The Legacy Fort Wayne Fund was created by proceeds from the sale of the City Light Utility to Indiana Michigan Power and its funds are to be used to create transformational change in the community. The Youth Sports Study RFP can be viewed at www.legacyfortwayne.org and http://bidding.cityoffortwayne.org/city.php.