City Completes Acquisition of Warm Springs Preserve

Thanks to the generosity of the members of this community, the city of Ketchum closed on the purchase of Warm Springs Preserve on April 14.

The Preserve sits on 65 acres of the Warm Springs Ranch and is now protected from development and will remain as open space for the entire community in perpetuity.

The city received over 1,000 donations to make this purchase possible.

“I am thrilled with the participation of this amazing community,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “Without them, we could not have made this a reality. Again, I would like to thank Bob Brennan, our City Council, the Spur Community Foundation, the tireless efforts of the Warm Springs Preserve campaign committee, and the many other people who were involved in this effort.”

Priorities for the Preserve include off-leash dog access, creek and habitat restoration, new water-conscious irrigation system, walking trails, informal gatherings and activities, Nordic ski and snowshoe trails, and public restrooms. Development, organized sports and reserved private or commercial events are restricted.

There is still time to participate in the campaign. Only $92,000 is left to raise to meet the campaign goal of $9 million, which includes $1 million to replace the wasteful irrigation system and provide essential site improvements. Donors of $1,000 or more will be recognized on the donor wall.

The city is now taking next steps to establish the Preserve, detailing a master plan that will guide the final locations of the bathroom, benches, and signage related to donor recognition. The public will be able to provide input on the plan during future open houses.

The Community Library is hosting Appreciate Our Past, Honor Our Present, Create Our Future on Tuesday, Apr. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wendolyn Holland, author of Sun Valley: An Extraordinary History, will share the history of what most remember as Warm Springs Ranch. Warm Springs Preserve committee member Ali Long will share the process and plans for the future of the 65-acre parcel.

On June 21, the city will officially thank the community while it celebrates the Summer Solstice at the Preserve. The day will be filled with music, food, fun for the kids and a silent auction. More information will be coming out soon on the details of the summer event.

For more information and to find ways to give, visit www.warmspringspreserve.org.

If you have questions about the fundraising campaign or the city’s plans for the property, please email warmspringspreserve@gmail.com.