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Project Ketchum

Project Ketchum

City of Ketchum

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More than a ‘dog park’ – the Warm Springs Preserve forever belongs to the community that ensured its protection.

Warm Springs Preserve

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the City of Ketchum has purchased the beloved Warm Springs Preserve – 65 acres of open space for the community to enjoy in perpetuity.

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.

We anticipate the following timeline for the Master Plan process:

  • May 2022 – retain design team for Master Plan
  • June 21, 2022 – public launch event at Warm Springs Preserve
  • Summer 2022 – conduct public engagement opportunities
  • Implement the Master Plan in phases (funding dependent)
    • Phase I: Fall 2022 – donor recognition elements (donor wall, signage, benches)
    • Phase II: 2023 – bathroom/maintenance building, irrigation and modest revegetation
    • Phase III: TBD – trail, flood/stream restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen on the site in the next year?

The property you know and love will be open and accessible to the public. We will add temporary restrooms and donor acknowledgment signs.

Are there plans to improve the property?

Once the property is acquired, the city will engage the community in a Master Plan process. Through that, the details of establishing new trails, adding restrooms, re-vegetation, and creek restoration plans will be identified. As outlined since the start of the campaign, the City of Ketchum is 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
What will happen to the preserve over time?

If the city acquires the property, the city will engage the community in a Master Plan process. Projects under consideration include the following:

  • Connector trail through the 30 acres in the southern part of the property
  • Improved access for the entire community
  • Existing trail upgrades
  • Stream restoration to:
    • repair irrigation intake structure in Warm Springs Creek
    • re-vegetate the site to support proper flooding at the site, prevent flooding upstream and downstream and decrease flooding impacts to adjacent homes near the preserve
    • improve fish and wildlife habitat to benefit the Bigwood River fishery

What will happen on the site in the next year?

The property you know and love will be open and accessible to the public. We will add temporary restrooms and donor acknowledgment signs.

How will the city cover maintenance costs?

Council has already approved a modest operating budget required to manage the irrigation system and keep the property clean and safe for the community.

Day #1 of ownership:
Power for irrigation, dog waste/trash clean-up, mowing, etc.

If you are interested in supporting the Warm Springs Preserve and costs to maintain the
property, tax-deductible donations may be made to the City of Ketchum’s Warm Springs Preserve
Trust Account. These funds will not go to any other city projects or coffers – the account’s use is explicit to the property.

Is the Wood River Land Trust supporting this project?

The Wood River Land Trust has long considered the 65 acres of open space on the Warm Springs Ranch a community priority for conservation and preservation.  The Land Trust has led the education effort to alert the community to the importance of this open space to the Wood River Valley. The Land Trust is fully supportive of the City’s efforts to preserve the 65 acres as public open space in perpetuity for our community. The Land Trust hopes that its commitment of $500,000 toward the Preserve will encourage other community members to give generously to complete this campaign.

How will the city cover maintenance costs?

The city will request from the council a modest operating budget required to manage the irrigation
system and keep the property clean and safe for the community.

Day #1 of ownership:
Power for irrigation, dog waste/trash clean-up, mowing, etc.

If you are interested in supporting the Warm Springs Preserve and costs to maintain the property, tax-deductible donations may be made to the City of Ketchum’s Warm Springs Preserve Trust Account. These funds will not go to any other city projects or coffers – the account’s use is explicit to the property.

Upcoming Events

  • June 21st – Summer Solstice and Grand Opening celebration!

Support the Preserve!

There is still time to participate in the campaign. Your tax deductible donations will go directly to the Warm Springs Preserve Fund and used for future enhancements. Donors of $1K or more will be recognized on the donor wall.

  • Click here to donate online.
  • Checks made to the ‘City of Ketchum’ with ‘Warm Springs Preserve Fund’ in the memo should be mailed to PO Box 2315 in Ketchum, ID 83340.
  • Questions?

Timeline

Property Acquisition

April 14

Master Planning process begins

May

Opening Celebration

June

Related Resources

  • Friends of the Warm Springs Preserve Charter

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PO Box 2315 | 191 5th St. West | Ketchum, ID 83340 | 208.726.3841