The campaign for Warm Springs Preserve received another boost with a new challenge grant. If the community can raise $665,500 more, an anonymous donor will contribute $500,000 to finish the campaign. Meeting this challenge will enable the city to purchase 65 acres of the Warm Springs Ranch property by the April 2022 deadline.
Since the start of the campaign, and through the generosity of 731 donors, gifts and pledges now total $7,834,500. That total puts the city just $1,165,500 away from the full $9 million campaign goal, which includes $8 million for the purchase of the property and $1 million for a new irrigation system and essential site improvements.
“The residents and visitors of this valley have gone above and beyond in their generosity toward this project,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “We hit a $1 million end-of-the-year challenge. I hope the momentum continues so that we can match this new significant fundraising opportunity.”
Last month, an incentive offered by the property owner lowered the sales price of the Warm Springs Preserve by $1 million, reducing the total fundraising goal to $9 million instead of $10 million.
Warm Springs Preserve will be kept as open space in perpetuity for the community if the campaign to purchase the property succeeds. 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 would be restricted.
What happens if not enough money is raised to buy the land? Currently, the property is zoned to allow significant development. However, a subdivision application and approval from the city would still be required.
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, email warmspringspreserve@gmail.com.