The more than year-long effort to keep 65 acres of open space at Warm Springs Ranch in Ketchum open space forever has paid dividends. Mayor Neil Bradshaw said the city council is set to approve the purchase for $8 million—all of it financed by more than 1,000 private donations, and a matching gift here and there.
“Of course, this opportunity would never have been imaginable without the vision and generosity of the Preserve’s owner, Bob Brennan,” Bradshaw said. “I also want to recognize the Spur Community Foundation, which has been a wonderful and trusted partner in managing the donations.”
Although the City of Ketchum has raised enough to cover the purchase of the land, it remains $1 million short—the tab for the first phase of infrastructure upgrades.
“So we will continue to accept donations for a little longer,” Bradshaw explained.
All donations over $1,000 will be recognized on a donor wall.
Based on community input, Ketchum leaders have committed to the following priorities for Warm Springs Preserve:
- Passive park for Open Space in perpetuity
- Off-leash Dog Access
- Informal Activities (i.e., frisbee golf, dog walking)
- Informal Gatherings (i.e., picnics)
- Nordic Trail
- Public Restroom
- Restoration of Warm Springs Creek and its Riparian Zone and Floodplain Connector Trail
- New Irrigation System to Preserve Water/Reduce Maintenance Costs
