Hopewell Township has announced that it is moving forward with a “request for proposals” (RFP) for the design phase of the planned new Senior & Community Center for Hopewell Valley.
This RFP follows months of initial discussions with key stakeholders on the desired components and programming for the new Senior & Community Center.
At its August meeting, the Township Committee unanimously endorsed taking this next step, and directed Township professionals to prepare an RFP.
Commenting on the news, Township Committee Member Kevin Kuchinski stated, “I am thrilled to see the Township moving forward towards the design phase of the new Senior & Community Center. Over the past couple of years, we have conducted extensive research and outreach with our seniors and other community members, and it’s clear that this new Senior & Community Center will help address several important needs in Hopewell Valley, including new, expanded meeting and programming space for our seniors, as well as a new indoor recreation facility for Valley residents.”
Noting that the new recreation facility will include an indoor, competitive lap pool and a warmer therapeutic pool, Kuchinski said, “It’s time to bring our swimmers home.”
Mayor Kristin McLaughlin added, “Our efforts towards a new Senior & Community Center builds on prior work where we talked extensively with our seniors and the broader community in a “dream phase” on what we collectively wanted to see in this new Center.”
“I am excited that the Township is now moving ahead now with this RFP and a concrete plan to design and build our new Center. We have structured the design phase such that our Senior Advisory and Parks and Recreation Committees will continue to have an important role and voice as we move forward,” she added.
McLaughlin further explained: “Committeewoman Peters-Manning will work with the Senior Advisory Committee and Committeeman Kuchinski will continue to liaison with the Parks & Recreation Committee and other local groups to ensure this new Center meets the needs of our community.”
Township Engineer and Community Development Director Mark Kataryniak indicated that Hopewell Township is seeking initial proposals from interested parties by September 3.
Once a contract is awarded, there will be a multi-phase program to guide the design work. A steering team of Township professionals, Committee Members, Advisory Board members and other representatives of the community will participate in this process, with an initial focus on providing more in-depth input on programming.
Deputy Mayor Michael Ruger commented, “We are committed to an open and inclusive process and will ensure that this new center fully meets the current and future needs of the Hopewell Valley community.”
Submitted by Hopewell Township Committee
