New childcare provider to be chosen to fill Park City Library space

The Park City Library daycare center, July 2023. Photo: TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — A selection committee is now evaluating proposals from local early childcare providers and is expected to choose a provider to operate out of the Park City Library by late summer.

The childcare center, located on the third floor of the library, was vacated in May by the Park City Cooperative Preschool, which had previously operated in the space for approximately 30 years. The request for proposals to occupy the space ended on July 25.

“When we have a long term tenant in any space and that space vacates, it’s an opportunity for somebody new, and we’re excited to see the proposals that we get,” said Jenny Diersen, special event manager for Park City Municipal.

The chosen provider will have space to accommodate up to 20 kids. According to the request for proposals (RFP), applications from childcare programs specifically for children ages zero to three will be prioritized.

“What we heard from the data collected by the Early Childhood Alliance was that child care for zero to three is really missing in our community,” Diersen said.

The chosen childcare provider will enter into a property lease that expires on June 30, 2024, with the option for a four-year renewal through June 30, 2028.

An additional option for a five-year extension at the may be considered six months before June 30, 2028, giving the provider the potential for a 10-year property lease that would end on June 30, 2033.

Although the rent rate for the library space was not included in the RFP, the Fair Market Value for the space was estimated at $29,075. Prospective providers submitted rental fee proposals, and depending on the proposal, the city may consider a partial or complete subsidy.

The selection committee began evaluating proposals on Monday, July 31, and will conduct interviews with the highest-ranking applicants on approximately August 7.

Final selection of the top-ranked proposal and preparation of the property lease is slated for August 23, and it is anticipated that the Park City Council will consider and vote on the contract at its meeting on September 14.