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Friends of Metro Parks Issues RFP for Artist-Designed Badges for 'Home Park’ Campaign
Friends of Columbus Metro Parks is excited to announce the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for talented local artists to design a unique series of 22 park badges as part of the “Home Park” campaign. Interested creatives are encouraged to submit proposals no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.
These badges will celebrate the personal connections residents have with Columbus’ beloved Metro Parks and will play a key role in community engagement efforts.
“The 'Home Park' campaign celebrates what makes our Metro Parks system truly special – the personal connections our community members feel to these natural spaces,” said Amanda Engen, Friends of Metro Parks Board Member. “These artist-designed park badges won’t just be beautiful collectibles; they’ll be symbols of our commitment to strengthening these bonds. With 20 current Metro Parks and two more set to open in the coming year, fulfilling our 2018 levy promise, we’re creating opportunities for even more residents to find their home park. Whether you’re a trail runner at Highbanks or a birdwatcher at Scioto Audubon, every resident has a home park story to tell.”
Friends of Columbus Metro Parks invites local artists to submit proposals to bring this vision to life. Full details, including submission guidelines and deadlines, can be found here.
Request For Proposals Artist-Designed Badges for 'Home Park’ Campaign
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Friends of Columbus Metro Parks seeks proposals from local artists to design a series of distinctive logo badges representing each of Columbus' 22 Metro Parks. These badges will be central to our "Home Park" campaign, which aims to strengthen community connections with our park system. The badges will be featured on merchandise, passports, and other campaign materials.
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Create 22 unique badge designs, one for each Metro Park (see Appendix A for list of the parks)
Design style should be vintage-inspired with retro emblem aesthetics
Each badge should capture unique features/character of its respective park
Designs will be used across multiple applications (e.g., patches, stickers, shirts, etc.)
Format deliverables in vector-based files suitable for various reproduction methods
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Shield/emblem shape consistent with sample National Park badges shown in Appendix B
Incorporate park name and city in the design
Use muted/pastel color palettes aligned with natural themes
Include simplified iconic imagery representing each park's distinct features
Maintain consistent design system across the series while making each unique
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Portfolio demonstrating relevant experience
Initial concept sketches for 2-3 sample park badges
Project timeline and detailed budget breakdown
Local artist/studio credentials
A brief statement about your interest in working on this project
Submit the above to friends@metroparks.net no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
SELECTION CRITERIA
Understanding of park system and community connection goals
Design style alignment with vintage/heritage aesthetic
Technical capability for multi-format reproduction
Local connection and commitment to project
Appendix A: Visual References
These National Park badges exemplify key design elements we seek:
Clean, simplified illustrations of natural landmarks
Balanced composition within shield/emblem format
Thoughtful use of limited color palettes
Integration of text with visual elements
Vintage-inspired graphic style
Ability to work across multiple applications (patches, prints, etc.)
Note: These examples are provided for reference only. Artists should create original designs that capture the unique character of Columbus Metro Parks while maintaining a similar aesthetic quality and production versatility.
APPENDIX B: LIST OF COLUMBUS METRO PARKS & CITIES, LISTED ALPHABETICALLY
Bank Run Metro Park, Lockbourne, OH
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Galloway, OH
Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Reynoldsburg, OH
Blendon Woods Metro Park, Columbus, OH
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, Carroll, OH
Clear Creek Metro Park, Lancaster, OH
Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, OH
Great Southern Metro Park, Columbus, OH
Heritage Trail Metro Park, Hilliard, OH
Highbanks Metro Park, Columbus, OH
Homestead Metro Park, Hilliard, OH
Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville, OH
Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, Canal Winchester, OH
Prairie Oaks Metro Park, West Jefferson, OH
Quarry Trails Metro Park, Columbus, OH
Rocky Fork Metro Park, Westerville, OH
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus, OH
Scioto Grove Metro Park, Grove City, OH
Sharon Woods Metro Park, Westerville, OH
Slate Run Metro Park, Canal Winchester, OH
Three Creeks Metro Park, Groveport, OH
Walnut Woods Metro Park, Groveport, OH
Submit proposals via email to friends@metroparks.net no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET