Call for Business Plans at Stephen Foster, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and Big Shoals State Parks

The Florida Park Service announces a call for business plans for a concession operation at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Suwanee River Wilderness Trail and Big Shoals State Park. To learn more about these parks, visit the park's webpage and view the Unit Management Plans for Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, and Big Shoals State Park.. A Draft Business Plan Packet will be uploaded to this website prior to the Mandatory On-site Meeting.

Call for Business Plans

SUP-BP #03-23 for a Concession Operation

Parks

Scope of Services

Concession operation, including, but not limited to:

  • Merchandise resale.
  • Overnight accommodations / campground management.

Numerous additional services may be proposed, such as 

  • Glamping.
  • Special event management.
  • Recreation equipment rental.
  • Food and beverage services.
  • Guided tours.

County

  • Hamilton

Mandatory On-site Meeting

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 9 a.m. ET

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

11016 Lillian Saunders Drive

White Springs, FL 32096

*Interested parties must attend this meeting in order to be eligible to submit a proposal.

This meeting will include a tour of facilities at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and site visits to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail’s Woods Ferry and Peacock Slough River Camps. Attendees should anticipate four to six hours for the site visits, including approximately one hour of total drive time to visit the river camps. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for moderately remote wilderness areas and pack their own water and food.

Term

  • 10-year agreement

Proposal Deadline

No later than 5 p.m. ET, Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

To register for the mandatory meeting or to submit questions in advance, please email Noah Harrison at FPS.Concessions@FloridaDEP.gov no later than 5 p.m. ET, Monday, May 8, 2023.

More Information