Viles Arboretum Seeks Project Bids for 1.25-mile Accessible Trail Project

Viles Arboretum seeks project bids for our 1.25-mile accessible trail project, which is funded in part by the Maine Trails Program administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. This is an exciting project for Viles Arboretum and for helping to address a historical injustice here in the capital region. 
 
Between 1840 and the 1960s, the property that is now Viles Arboretum was the working farm for what was called the Maine Insane Hospital (and eventually AMHI). For more than a century patients at the hospital toiled on this property, unpaid and, in many cases, against their will.Accessible Trail 1
 
In addition to creating the accessible trail loop that will be geared towards people in wheelchairs or who are unsteady on their feet, we'll incorporate signage that tells the story of the farm and those who worked here. As the trail is being made, we'll also be working with area health care professionals to incorporate trail-based activities and events geared toward people suffering from depression, those on the autism spectrum, people with Alzheimer's and Dementia, and all of those who in the 19th century might have found themselves institutionalized and forced to work the farm. 

Mental illness affects all of us in one way or another, and this trail will be the beginning of an effort to combine mental health care and nature in honor of those who were here so many years ago. 
 

Contractors interested in submitting a bid can meet at Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME on Friday, May 8th at 10:00 AM. Please RSVP to David Greenham, Executive Director, Viles Arboretum. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


All responses to the RFP shall include the following information:

  1. Cover Letter – A letter of interest and a summary of qualifications, recommended approaches, processes, and deliverables for the project.
  2. cope of Work – A detailed scope of work that aligns with the scope of work outlined in RFP. Describe the approach to the project and proposed methodology.
  3. Proposed Schedule – Provide a schedule that includes completion of work tasks and deliverables.
  4. Project Budget – Provide a detailed budget broken down by:
    1. materials listing
    2. labor and equipment
    3. equipment mobilization
    4. any additional expenses

Click here to download the full RFP. 

 

Our work at Viles Arboretum is made possible by the generous support of our members and donors. If you'd like to help sustain our efforts, consider becoming a member today.