STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The City of Ketchum needs just $192,000 more to meet a $1 million match for donations for the Warm Springs Preserve by Dec. 31.
The city had received match donations of $807,572 by the end of the day Tuesday, leaving $192,428 to go. The $1 million match was offered by a member of the Warm Springs Preserve campaign committee
“Thanks to our community and the pledge for a matching donation, we are dollars away from reaching the $1 million match,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “There is not much time left, but I feel confident that we will meet this goal through generous year-end giving from those who cherish this property.”
The City of Ketchum needs to raise $9 million by April 28, 2022, to purchase 65 acres of the Warm Springs Ranch property. If successful, the land would be left undeveloped in perpetuity, serving as a place for people to walk dogs, cross country ski and snowshoe, watch birds and participate in other informal activities.
It would also enable creek and habitat restoration and the building of public restrooms on the site.
The city reached its first Threshold of $4.5 million that Developer Bob Brennan had requested the city raise by Dec. 31. Brennan then offered to reduce the $9 million sale price of the Warm Springs Preserve by $1 million if $6.5 million is raised in gifts and pledges by Dec. 31.
Getting that price reduction is promising given the campaign committee member’s pledge to match up to $1 million in donations. Once the sales price is reached, the city would also like to raise $1 million for irrigation and other site improvements.
Eight fiberglass labs also are being auctioned off in a silent auction to help purchase the property. Dogs can be bid on or bought outright for $35,000. Dogs can be seen at The Limelight, The Argyros, Out West Trading Company in Giacobbi Square, Starbucks, Michel’s Christiania, Zenergy and The Wine Company.
Currently, the Warm Springs property is zoned to allow significant development.
Spur Community Foundation is holding the donations and pledges for the city. If the goal is not met by April, pledges and gifts can be returned or donors may choose to direct them to another organization.
Want to know more? Visit www.warmspringspreserve.org Or, email warmspringspreserve@gmail.com