Commercial Opportunity at Bender Park

The Milwaukee County Parks Department (“Parks”) seeks to retain a Proposer to plan, manage, and operate a commercial site at Bender Park in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

This is a competitive RFP that seeks to maximize revenue for the Milwaukee County Parks Department.

The awarded Proposer shall operate a business that provides safe, high quality and customer-oriented experience with well-maintained equipment, and experienced staff. Examples may include a concession site, jet ski / aquatic equipment rental, and/or a store (e.g. bait shop). Depending on the proposed type of business, additional rules, regulations, and licenses may apply.

The Proposer will occupy a part of the Bender pavilion (“Building”): office/concession room, changing room and storage room. Exhibit 1. Floor Plan is provided with the RFP. The building is a one (1) story, 2,206 square foot structure built in 1999. [...]

The successful Proposer must be open and have a regular schedule to provide services to park patrons. Hours of operation shall be approved by Parks. The facility is open approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. [...]

The successful Proposer will need to provide any and all infrastructure needed to execute their operation, including furniture, fixtures and equipment. [...]

The Proposer will be responsible for cleaning the public restrooms. The Proposer shall keep the premises in good order including routine cleaning and janitorial services and shall handle all preventative day-to-day maintenance, including minor plumbing, HVAC, electrical, lighting (e.g. change a lightbulb), and all equipment operating the Premises including the store front, doors, and windows. Milwaukee County Parks will provide restroom supplies.

The successful Proposer will be responsible for utilities for the premises for the months of operation, including, but not limited to electric. [...]

No deep-fat frying or use of oil for food preparation shall be allowed on the Premises.

Cost Proposal

List the amount you will commit to paying Parks during the initial five (5)-year term of the lease and during the two (2) one-year extensions. Cost proposals may be rent based, commission based, a flat fee, a mixture, or any other reasonable fee structure.

Submission

Please follow these instructions to submit via our Public Portal. Upload your submission at: http://countymilwaukee.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/259719

Your submission must be uploaded, submitted, and finalized prior to the Closing Time of **November 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT**.

Contract Term

The successful Proposer will be required to enter into a five (5) year lease agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) which is included as Attachment A to this RFP. The County will have the option to renew for two (2) one (1)-year terms upon expiration of the Lease Agreement.

Evaluation

These proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee and scored against the criteria outlined in this RFP. [...] Oral presentations may be requested by the County of the highest scoring proposer(s). Milwaukee County may request Best and Final Offers from any or all respondents.

Insurance

All proposers must agree to the terms set forth on the “Insurance and Indemnity Acknowledgement Form” (Attachment C).

TBE

Milwaukee County reserves the right to award up to a ten percent (10%) bonus to respondents who will utilize certified TBE firm(s).