The City of Manteca has a plan for the FEZ — shorthand for the 150-acre family entertainment zone.

Now they need help to develop it.

Manteca on Monday issued requests for qualifications from firms interested in taking the lead to develop the city owned property bookended by the Great Wolf Indoor Water Park Resort and the Big League Dreams sports complex.

 “The FEZ just isn’t about new buildings — it’s about creating a destination that defines Manteca as a hub for entertainment, sports, and family fun,” said Manteca Mayor Gary Singh. “The FEZ will create experiences that draws visitors while keeping our community at the heart of the vision.”

The city’s vision for the FEZ has evolved into a mixed-use destination incorporating entertainment, sports, retail, hospitality, high density residential and public places.

To fast track potential development, the city has started working with WSP to devise an environmental impact report for allowed uses just like they did with the property Great Wolf eventually secured from the city for the water park resort.

By doing so, the city had a ready-to-develop water park site where environmental clearance had already been secured for traffic impacts and such. In doing so, it shortened the time frame that a water park project could move forward. That was critical in snaring Great Wolf.

The same approach is expected to work favorably for Manteca in securing other FEZ users.

“The City has been intentional in laying the groundwork for the FEZ,” noted City Manager Toni Lundgren. “With infrastructure investments and a clear vision in place, we’re ready to collaborate with developers to turn this opportunity into reality.”

The advantage of the city already extending Daniels Street to McKinley Avenue complete with four intersections with traffic signals installed, underground utilities, and two stub streets for accessing developable land north and away from Daniels Street can’t be overstated.

Nor can the fact the city a year ago completing a new interchange at McKinley Avenue and the 120 Bypass. That means the FEZ is now served by two interchanges — the other being Airport Way — a mile apart on the 120 Bypass.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com