TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Ted Semaan, Interim Public Works Director
Gilbert Gamboa, Acting City Engineer
Bianca Cardenas, Senior Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: Title
Consideration of a Resolution Awarding a Professional Design Services Agreement to DVDCreative in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $361,009 for the Sand Dune Park Improvements Project (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director Semaan).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-0134
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-0134 awarding a professional design services agreement to DVDCreative in an amount not to exceed $361,009 for the Sand Dune Park Improvements Project.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Sufficient funds of $656,585 are currently available and budgeted for this project in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fund. Of this amount, approximately $361,009 will be allocated for the completion of the final design of the Sand Dune Park Improvements Project.
BACKGROUND:
Sand Dune Park, located at 3100 Bell Avenue at the intersection of 33rd Street, has been an important community resource since the 1960s. The park features the dune, trail, stairs, nature area, playground, and park building, and continues to draw both residents and visitors.
Over the years, the City of Manhattan Beach (City) has invested in a series of improvements and condition assessments for Sand Dune Park. Highlights include:
• 1999: Improvements project included grading improvements, stair/walkway upgrades, dune area clean up, irrigation and landscape features, electrical, and new play equipment.
• 2012: Construction of a permanent, vinyl-coated chain link fence at the base and top of the dune area.
• 2013: Facilities Condition Assessment recommended upgrades due to age and use.
• 2018: Accessibility Report analyzed barriers and recommended future improvements.
• 2022: Landscape revitalization to stabilize and beautify the hillside, repair irrigation, upgrade retaining walls and fencing, and add decomposed granite at the perimeter of the dune base.
On January 11, 2022, during a joint meeting of the City Council and Commissions, the City Council instructed the staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission to investigate potential enhancements for Sand Dune Park and assess future uses. This included the development of trails and nature areas, improvements to the park, and the construction of a new building to replace the existing structure that currently serves as a workspace, storage area, and restroom facilities. As a result, City Staff initiated the investigation of possibilities to enhance the park further.
On April 14, 2023, the City executed an agreement with David Volz Design (DVD) to solicit community feedback from outreach events and surveys and to develop conceptual designs for the park improvements. DVD developed two conceptual design scenarios based on community input for the City’s consideration, and staff presented the final concept design to the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 29, 2024.
In September 2024, City Council approved a final design that includes:
• A tot lot and playground (ages 5-12) with fully accessible play structures, rubberized surfacing, and natural wood materials.
• Preservation of existing mulberry trees, with added seating and an outdoor education area featuring a small stage and benches.
• A pedestrian lighting system to improve safety and aesthetics.
• Two new prefabricated Spanish-style buildings: a restroom building and an office building compliant with current code, both with durable, low-maintenance features.
• An artist-designed decorative lace fence. Final design and cost for the art will be reviewed by the Cultural Arts Commission and presented to City Council for an allocation from the Public Arts Fund.
In February 2025, City Council approved moving forward with the Final Design Phase of the Sand Dune Park Improvements Project.
DISCUSSION:
The City is moving forward with the approved conceptual plan for Sand Dune Park by developing final design plans, specifications, calculations, an estimate, and a project schedule. This effort will include all necessary technical investigations and assistance for bidding and construction. The selected design professional will work closely with the City’s Consultant Project Manager, City staff, manufacturers, and artists to ensure a thorough and timely project.
Request for Proposals
On September 11, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional design services for the Sand Dune Park Improvements Project. The City received two proposals on October 14, 2025. Staff ranked the firms and proposals as follows:
1. David Volz Design, DBA DVDCreative
2. Infrastructure Architects, Inc.
Cost proposals ranged from $146,880 to $361,009.
Evaluation Criteria
A committee of City staff evaluated the proposals based on the following criteria:
• Demonstrated understanding of the scope of services and project delivery;
• Relevant experience of proposed personnel;
• Project management methods and quality control approach;
• Technical qualifications and experience of staff and sub-consultants;
• Familiarity with local conditions; and
• References.
Comparing the proposals received, the recommended firm demonstrated the clearest understanding of City Council’s approved design, the project’s development needs and proposed a realistic schedule. Additionally, they are distinguished in their experience in landscape architecture, park facilities, and playground design using sustainable materials for a marine environment. The recommended firm recognized that the City is not soliciting additional conceptual design options and provided a practical proposal for the approved design development, with an emphasis on accessibility standards and an ability to manage all detailed technical and design requirements necessary for successful project delivery.
Upon evaluation, interview, and positive reference checks, staff recommends entering into an Agreement with DVDCreative. With 27 years of experience, DVDCreative has commissioned hundreds of park projects in Southern California similar to Sand Dune Park. This work has resulted in accolades from community groups and industry design awarding bodies. Additionally, DVDCreative developed the current conceptual design for Sand Dune Park and added knowledge of both the site and the community. The total estimated cost of the project is $3.6 million, and according to the initial conceptual design, the expense for design services is approximately ten percent, aligning with the usual industry standard. Pursuant to Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section 2.36.130 (Professional Services), the City has the authority to select the firm that is most qualified and is not limited to making a selection solely on cost.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The RFP for professional design services was advertised on the City's website and OpenGov, a public online bid notification portal. The project team will coordinate with park programs and events and will provide updates on the City website once the project progresses into construction.
A prior outreach survey was conducted in late 2022 asking what respondents would like to see in Sand Dune Park with respect to a new building, amenities and programming. The survey was open through May 31, 2023. A community input meeting was held at Sand Dune Park on April 30, 2023 followed by another on March 9, 2024. The resulting design was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 29, 2024 and to City Council in February 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 Class 1 (minor alteration of existing public facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of use) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Although an environmental review is not necessary prior to approval of the design agreement, additional environmental review may be required prior to, or concurrent with, the award of a construction contract.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 25-0134
2. Agreement - DVDCreative
3. Location Map