# Zionsville Town Civicplus #61

Consulting Services for Nature Center Feasibility Study and Business Plan at Carpenter Nature Preserve

**Posted:** August 13, 2026
**Respond By:** October 02, 2026
**Identifier:** 61
**NAICS:** 541618

This opportunity is for consulting firms to support the Town of Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation and the Zionsville Parks Foundation in planning a Nature Center at Carpenter Nature Preserve.
- Government Buyer:
  - Town of Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation
  - Zionsville Parks Foundation
- No specific OEMs or vendors are named; this is a consulting services solicitation.
- Requested Services:
  - Comprehensive feasibility study for a Nature Center
  - Business plan and concept development
  - Assessment of existing conditions, community needs, and market analysis
  - Facility program and concept development
  - Staffing and operational study
  - Capital cost estimating
  - Revenue generation and business planning
  - Financial feasibility analysis
  - Final recommendations, including visualizations for fundraising
- Unique/Notable Requirements:
  - Experience with nature centers, environmental education facilities, feasibility studies, and business planning
  - Ability to provide data-driven recommendations and visualizations
  - Consideration of deed and easement restrictions on the property
  - Evaluation of multiple development scenarios and potential revenue sources
  - Concise proposal limited to 25 pages
  - Project funded by municipal and foundation sources; anticipated construction cost for the center is around $5 million
- Opportunity is open to all qualified consulting firms; no established budget range for consulting services.

### Description

The Town of Zionsville, through its Board of Parks and Recreation and the Zionsville Parks Foundation, is soliciting proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a potential Nature Center at the Carpenter Nature Preserve. The study will assess viability, scale, operational needs, financial sustainability, and community impact to support environmental education and nature-based recreation. The selected consultant will provide data-driven recommendations on facility development, staffing, operations, revenue generation, and long-term sustainability. Proposals are due by October 2, 2026, with a potential project start date in January 2027.

[View original listing](https://www.zionsville-in.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=61)