Batting Cage Management Services

City of Hialeah, FL - Parks & Community Engagement Department has issued request for proposal, solicitation 2025-26-068.

The City of Hialeah is seeking qualified and experienced operators to manage and activate its batting cage facility at Babcock Park. This initiative is designed to transform an underutilized recreational asset into a vibrant, high-quality training and community hub that serves residents of all ages, with a strong emphasis on youth development. The selected operator will be responsible for restoring the facility to full operational condition, including repair of existing equipment and installation of necessary safety features, while delivering structured programming such as lessons and clinics. The City is particularly interested in partners who can provide affordable, accessible services to residents while maintaining a professional and sustainable operation. This opportunity is ideal for organizations with experience in sports training, baseball/softball instruction, or recreational facility management that are committed to community engagement, operational excellence, and youth-focused programming.

The City is seeking qualified and experienced vendors to manage, operate, and fully activate the batting cage amenity located at Babcock Park. This amenity represents a valuable recreational asset with the potential to serve youth, families, and sports enthusiasts while enhancing community engagement and generating sustainable revenue. At present, the batting cage facility requires comprehensive operational oversight, including mechanical evaluation, repair, and ongoing maintenance. The selected vendor will be expected to bring the entire amenity to a fully functional and safe operating condition at its own expense. This includes demonstrating a clear understanding of batting cage systems (e.g., pitching machines, netting, electrical components, token/card systems, and structural elements) and the ability to proactively maintain and repair these systems to minimize downtime and ensure a high-quality user experience. This project is important to the City’s broader goals of expanding recreational offerings, activating underutilized park assets, and fostering public-private partnerships that deliver enhanced services to residents. A successful operator will not only restore the facility but elevate it into a vibrant destination that supports organized programming, casual use, and community events. Key challenges include addressing existing mechanical and operational deficiencies, establishing reliable day-to-day management practices, and creating a customer-focused environment that encourages repeat visitation. Vendors must demonstrate the capacity to respond quickly to maintenance needs, provide knowledgeable staff onsite, and maintain consistent service quality. The City strongly prefers vendors with recent (within the past two years) experience working with government entities, as such experience demonstrates familiarity with public sector expectations, accountability standards, and community-oriented service delivery. Additionally, proposers should demonstrate the ability to staff the facility with trained personnel capable of performing minor repairs, addressing customer concerns in real time, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. Beyond basic operations, the City is seeking a partner that can “hit the ball out of the park” by delivering innovative and comprehensive programming. This includes, but is not limited to: Development of membership models and pricing structures that encourage regular use Integration of food and beverage offerings to enhance the user experience Creation of sponsorship and partnership opportunities to support financial sustainability Collaboration with City staff on events, leagues, instructional programs, and community initiatives The ideal vendor will approach this opportunity as more than a facility management contract, but as a partnership with the City to transform the batting cage amenity into a high-performing, community-centered recreational destination.

Responses are due October 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT.

Questions must be submitted by September 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT at 651 E 4th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010.

Commodity categories: Athletic and Sporting Goods Equipment and Accessories (Shoulder Pads, etc.), Maintenance and Repair; Management Services; Outsourcing Services for Management, Operation, etc. (Purchasing, etc.); Sports Professionals Services (Including Sports and Recreational Programs and Referee/Umpire Services); Athletic Field Maintenance; Golf Course Management and Operation; Parks Systems Administrative Services.

Contact: Steven Diaz, Deputy Director (stdiaz@hialeahfl.gov, (305) 687-2650).

2 documents are attached to the notice: Babcock Park Batting Cage Aerial; SAMPLE_SERVICE_AGREEMENT.

The full solicitation document, addenda and the question-and-answer thread are on the agency's OpenGov portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cityofhialeahfl/projects/290459. Responses are submitted electronically there, and a free vendor account is required before you can upload one.