STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Wendolyn Holland, author of the coffee table book, “Sun Valley: An Extraordinary History,” will examine the history of the Warm Springs Ranch at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at The Community Library.

The 65-acre parcel alongside Warm Springs Creek has been the focus of a $9 million campaign to purchase it and preserve it as open space in perpetuity. The City of Ketchum closed on the property on April 14 after receiving more than a thousand donations to make the purchase possible.

Just under $92,000 is left to meet the campaign goal, which includes $1 million to replace the irrigation system and provide site improvements. Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall.

The property figured prominently in the early days of pioneer settlement, connecting the canyon from the Philadelphia Smelter to Guyer Hot Springs. In time it became the Simpson family’s Warm Springs Ranch and the site of a popular Warm Springs Restaurant known for its warm scones dripping with honey butter, a tennis court and a nine-hole golf course.

It even served as the site for gourmet winter dinners in a yurt and sleigh rides at one point.

While Holland recounts the history, Warm Springs Preserve committee members Ali Long will discuss plans for the future of the parcel as a public park with walking and ski trails, water habitat restoration, restrooms, benches and off-leash dog area.

The city plans a June 21 Summer Solstice party with music, food and fun for the kids to thank the community.

Attendees can attend Tuesday’s presentation in person, registering at https://thecommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/8911221. Or, watch it on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/694158078.